Pro-Neurogenic Compounds

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, e.g., post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis) and protectiong from neuron cell death.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/100,515, filed on Dec. 9, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/685,652, filed on Jan. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,604,074, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,755, filed on Jan. 9, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH Grant No. 5DP1OD00027605, Grant No. 5R37MH05938809, and Grant No. 1RO1MH087986); the Government therefore has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the discovery of pro-neurogenic compounds capable of promoting neurogenesis and/or reducing neuronal cell death.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is now accepted that the adult vertebrate brain fosters the birth and functional incorporation of newly formed neurons (Goldman and Nottebohm, 1984; Paton and Nottebohm, 1984; Burd and Nottebohm, 1985). However, it was long thought that no new neurons could be added to the adult mammalian brain. This dogma was challenged in the 1960's when autoradiographic evidence of new neuron formation in the hippocampal dentate gyms, olfactory bulb, and cerebral cortex of the adult rat was presented (Altman, 1962, 1963; Altman and Das, 1965, 1966a,b). It is now accepted that within all mammalian species, including humans (Eriksson et al., 1998), there are two major reservoirs of neuronal stem cells, one located in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyms and another in the subventricular zone (SVZ) (Gross, 2000). Neural stem cells in the SVZ facilitate formation of new neurons that migrate rostrally to populate the olfactory bulb, while neural stem cells in the SGZ produce neurons that integrate locally in the granular layer of the dentate gyms, a region of the hippocampus that exhibits lifelong structural and functional plasticity.

The process of new neuron formation in the adult mouse brain can be influenced by environmental, chemical and genetic variables. As demonstrated by Gage and colleagues, neurogenesis in the adult mouse brain is enhanced when animals are exposed to an enriched environment (Kempermann et al., 1998) or able to exercise voluntarily (van Praag et al., 1999). More recently, anti-depressant drugs have been shown to enhance levels of adult neurogenesis in animals, including humans (Schmidt and Duman, 2007; Boldrini et al., 2009). Among many genes reported to impact adult neurogenesis is the gene encoding neuronal PAS domain protein 3 (NPAS3), a central nervous system (CNS)-specific transcription factor that has been associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Kamnsasaran et al., 2003; Pickard et al., 2005, 2006, 2009; Lavedan et al., 2008). Animals missing both copies of the NPAS3 gene suffer a profound loss of adult hippocampal neurogenesis coupled with significant behavioral deficits (Pieper et al., 2005). Knowing that impaired post-natal neurogenesis elicits unfavorable phenotypic deficits, it is predicted that pro-neurogenic chemical compounds should exhibit favorable therapeutic benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to compounds that promote the generation or the survival of existing neurons in the mammalian brain. For the purpose of simplicity we refer to these compounds as being pro-neurogenic. In certain embodiments, the compounds promote the generation or survival of neurons in the post-natal mammalian brain. In embodiments, the compounds promote the survival, growth, development and/or function of neurons, particularly CNS, brain, cerebral, and hippocampal neurons. In certain embodiments, the compounds stimulate post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis, which while not wishing to be bound by theory, is believed to represent a therapeutic target for a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including (but not limited to) schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, and abuse of neuro-active drugs, such as alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and cocaine. The invention also features compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) that include such compounds as well as methods of making, identifying, and using such compounds. Other features and advantages are described in, or will be apparent from, the present specification and accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, in one aspect, methods for promoting post-natal mammalian neurogenesis in a subject in need thereof are featured. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound having formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

wherein:

each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro;

R and R′ are defined according to (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) below:

(1) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II):

wherein each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ halothioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; OR

(2) each of R and R′ is, independently, hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; OR

(3) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heterocyclic ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(a); OR

(4) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl ring that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); OR

(5) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heteroaryl ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b);

L¹ is:

-   -   (i) C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally         substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c); or     -   (ii) a bond that directly connects N in the 5-membered ring of         formula (I) to A in formula (I);

L² is:

-   -   (i) C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally         substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c); or     -   (ii) a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in         formula (I);

A is:

-   -   (i) CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is         independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹;         or     -   (ii) C═O; or     -   (iii) C₃-C₅ cycloalkylene that is (a) substituted with 1 oxo;         and (b) optionally further substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(a); or     -   (iv) heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, wherein         from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene         is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further         substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);

Z is:

-   -   (i) —NR¹⁰R¹¹; or     -   (ii) —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹; or     -   (iii) —OR¹²; or     -   (iv) —S(O)_(n)R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2 or     -   (v) heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein         from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said         heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(a);     -   (vi) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(b); or     -   (vii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from         1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected         R^(b); or     -   (viii) C₈-C₁₄ arylcycloalkyl, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion is optionally substituted with from 1-4             independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   or     -   (ix) arylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion from is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (x) heteroarylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (xi) heteroarylcycloalkyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);

R⁹ is hydrogen; or C₁-C₃ alkyl that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl or C₁-C₃ alkoxy;

each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the substituents delineated collectively in (a) through (k) below:

-   -   (a) hydrogen;     -   (b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         R^(b);     -   (c) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6         of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃         alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally         substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);     -   (d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally         substituted with from 1-3 R^(d);     -   (e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl), or —C(O)O(C₁-C₆         alkyl);     -   (f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl;     -   (g) C₈-C₁₄ arylcycloalkyl, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion is optionally substituted with from 1-4             independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   (h) arylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion from is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a);     -   (i) heteroarylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a);     -   (j) heteroarylcycloalkyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   (k) C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₈ cycloalkenyl, each of which is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected         R^(a); and     -   (l) C₇-C₁₂ aralkyl, wherein the aryl portion is optionally the         aryl portion from is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(b),

R¹² is:

-   -   (i) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         R^(b); or     -   (ii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from         1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); or     -   (iii) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is         optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or     -   (iv) C₈-C₁₄ arylcycloalkyl, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion is optionally substituted with from 1-4             independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   or     -   (v) arylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion from is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (vi) heteroarylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (vii) heteroarylcycloalkyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);

R¹³ is:

-   -   (i) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         R^(b); or     -   (ii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from         1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);     -   (iii) C₈-C₁₄ arylcycloalkyl, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion is optionally substituted with from 1-4             independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); or     -   (iv) arylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion from is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (v) heteroarylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a); or     -   (vi) heteroarylcycloalkyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);

R^(a) at each occurrence is, independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, oxo, thioxo, ═NH, ═N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano;

R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from the substituents delineated in (aa) through (dd) below:

-   -   (aa) C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆         thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl),         N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), wherein the alkyl portion         of each is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently         selected R^(e);     -   (bb) halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; azido; sulfhydryl;         C₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkynyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl);         —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂;         —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl);         —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂;     -   (cc) C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl containing from 5-6 ring         atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl is         independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆         alkyl), O, and S; and wherein each of said phenyl and         heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with from 1-3         independently selected R^(a); and     -   (dd) phenyl or heteroaryl containing from 5-6 ring atoms,         wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl is         independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;         wherein each of said phenyl and heteroaryl is optionally         substituted with from 1-3 substituents independently selected         from halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl),         N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆         haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl,         and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl;

R^(c) at each occurrence is, independently selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano;

R^(d) at each occurrence is, independently selected from hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano; and

R^(e) at each occurrence is, independently selected from hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); cyano; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂; —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; and L³-(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-Cy, where in L³ is a —O—, —NH—, —NCH₃—, —C(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)NCH₃—, —NHC(O)—, or —NCH₃C(O)—, and Cy is a saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system;

or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In some embodiments, one or more of (A), (B), or (C) apply.

(A) Provided that when R and R′ are defined according to definition (3), then:

(i) each of L¹ and L² must be C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c) when A is CH₂; or

(ii) Z must be other than heteroaryl containing from 5-14 (e.g., 5-6 or 6)ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b); e.g., other than substituted pyridyl, e.g., other than pyridyl substituted with C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃), e.g., other than 2 or 6-methylpyridyl.

(B) Each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ cannot be optionally substituted naphthyl (e.g., each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ cannot be unsubstituted naphthyl). In embodiments, each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is other than optionally substituted naphthyl (e.g., unsubstituted naphthyl) when R and R′ are defined according to definitions (1), (2), and (4); and A is CR^(A1)R^(A2) (e.g., CHOR⁹, e.g., CHOH), and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂).

(C) R¹² and/or R¹³ cannot be substituted phenyl. In embodiments, R¹² and/or R¹³ cannot be substituted phenyl when R and R′ are defined according to definition (1); and A is CR^(A1)R^(A2) (e.g., CHOR⁹, e.g., CHOH), and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂).

In embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) applies. In other embodiments, (A) and (B); or (A) and (C); or (B) and (C) applies. In still other embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) apply.

In another aspect, methods for promoting post-natal mammalian neurogenesis in a subject in need thereof are featured. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound having formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in which R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II):

For purposes of clarification, it is understood that compounds in which R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II) correspond to compounds having the following general formula:

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², A, and Z can be as defined anywhere herein.

In embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) applies. In other embodiments, (A) and (B); or (A) and (C); or (B) and (C) applies. In still other embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) apply.

In another aspect, methods for promoting post-natal mammalian neurogenesis in a subject in need thereof are featured. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound having formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in which:

each of L¹ and L² is CH₂;

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen;

Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹; and

each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from

(a) hydrogen;

(b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d);

(f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) applies. In other embodiments, (A) and (B); or (A) and (C); or (B) and (C) applies. In still other embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) apply.

In one aspect, compositions (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) are featured, which includes a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the compositions can include an effective amount of the compound or salt. In some embodiments, the compositions can further include one or more additional therapeutic agents. These may include, but are not limited to, antidepressant medications (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and other antidepressant medications including but not limited to venlafaxine, nefazadone, bupropion, mirtazapine, lithium and trazodone) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (including but not limited to Aricept, Reminyl, and Exelon).

In another aspect, dosage forms are featured, which includes from about 0.05 milligrams to about 2,000 milligrams (e.g., from about 0.1 milligrams to about 1,000 milligrams, from about 0.1 milligrams to about 500 milligrams, from about 0.1 milligrams to about 250 milligrams, from about 0.1 milligrams to about 100 milligrams, from about 0.1 milligrams to about 50 milligrams, or from about 0.1 milligrams to about 25 milligrams) of a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein. The dosage forms can further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or an additional therapeutic agent.

In one aspect, the compounds of formula (I) themselves (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein are featured. In another aspect, any of the formula (I) compounds specifically described herein are featured.

In one aspect, compounds of formula (III) are featured in which:

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; or

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., hydrogen); or

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen; and

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof

In embodiments, (B) and/or (C) applies.

In one aspect, compounds of formula (III) are featured in which:

one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹, and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen; and

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In embodiments, one or more of the following apply, e.g., when A is CHOH and Z is NR¹⁰R¹¹:

-   -   each of R³ and R⁶ is CH₃; and/or each of R³ and R⁶ is bromo;         and/or each of R³ and R⁶ is chloro; and/or one of R³ and R⁶ is         CH₃ (e.g., R⁶), and the other is bromo (e.g., R³);     -   each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is other than hydrogen;     -   each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen;     -   one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is heteroaryl as defined anywhere herein;     -   L¹ and/or L² is C₂-C₃ alkylene (optionally substituted);     -   (B) and/or (C) applies.

In one aspect, compounds of formula (III) are featured in which Z is other than NR¹⁰R¹¹; and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², Z, and A can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, (B) and/or (C) applies.

In one aspect, compounds of formula (III) are featured in which Z is —OR¹² and/or —S(O)_(n)R¹³; and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and A can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, (B) and/or (C) applies.

In one aspect, compounds of formula (III) are featured in which A is (ii) C═O; and/or (iv) heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof

Any of the aforementioned compounds can be used in any of the methods or compositions described anywhere herein.

This invention relates generally to stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, e.g., post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis) and protecting neurons from death with a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein.

For example, methods of promoting the generation of neurons are featured. As another example, methods of promoting the survival, growth, development and/or function of neurons, particularly CNS, brain, cerebral, and hippocampal neurons are featured. As a further example, methods of stimulating post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis are featured.

In some embodiments, such methods can include in vitro methods, e.g., contacting a sample (e.g., a cell or tissue) with a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein. In other embodiments, the methods can include administering a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein to a subject (e.g., a mammal, such as a human).

Accordingly, in yet another aspect, this invention includes and features methods of screening for (thereby identifying) compounds that stimulate neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, e.g., post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis) or protect newborn neurons from cell death. E.g., such as those described in the Examples section.

In one aspect, methods for treating (e.g., controlling, relieving, ameliorating, alleviating, or slowing the progression of) or methods for preventing (e.g., delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of developing) one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with insufficient (e.g., aberrant) neurogenesis or unwanted neuronal cell death in a subject in need thereof are featured. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein to the subject.

In another aspect, the use of a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein in the preparation of, or for use as, a medicament for the treatment (e.g., controlling, relieving, ameliorating, alleviating, or slowing the progression of) or prevention (e.g., delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of developing) of one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with, insufficient (e.g., aberrant) neurogenesis or unwanted neuronal cell death is featured.

In embodiments, the one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions can include neuropathies, nerve trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases. In embodiments, the one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions can be diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with insufficient neurogenesis (e.g., aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis) as is believed to occur in neuropsychiatric diseases, or aberrant neuronal cell death as is believed to occur in neurodegenerative diseases. Examples of the one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions include, but are not limited to, schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, and abuse of neuro-active drugs, such as alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and cocaine.

In some embodiments, the subject can be a subject in need thereof (e.g., a subject identified as being in need of such treatment, such as a subject having, or at risk of having, one or more of the diseases or conditions described herein). Identifying a subject in need of such treatment can be in the judgment of a subject or a health care professional and can be subjective (e.g. opinion) or objective (e.g. measurable by a test or diagnostic method). In some embodiments, the subject can be a mammal. In certain embodiments, the subject can be a human.

In another aspect, methods of making the compounds described herein are featured. In embodiments, the methods include taking any one of the intermediate compounds described herein and reacting it with one or more chemical reagents in one or more steps to produce a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, compounds in which A is CHOH, and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂) can be converted to compounds in which A is C(O), and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂) that is substituted with C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy (e.g., —SCH₃). The methods include contacting the starting material with an oxidizing agent sulfur trioxide pyridine complex (see, e.g., Example 7a and 7b).

In one aspect, methods of making the pharmaceutical compositions described herein are featured. In embodiments, the methods include taking any one or more of the compounds of formula (I) (and/or compounds of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein, and mixing said compound(s) with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

In one aspect, kits for the treatment (e.g., controlling, relieving, ameliorating, alleviating, or slowing the progression of) or prevention (e.g., delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of developing) of one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with insufficient (e.g., aberrant) neurogenesis or unwanted neuronal cell death are featured. The kits include (i) a compound of formula (I) (and/or compounds of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein; and (ii) instructions that include a direction to administer said compound to a subject (e.g., a patient).

Embodiments can include, for example, any one or more of the following features.

R³ can be selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro. E.g., R³ can be halo (e.g., bromo). In embodiments, each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be hydrogen.

L¹ can be C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c). E.g., L¹ can be CH₂.

L² can be C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c). E.g., L² can be CH₂.

Each of L¹ and L² can be, independently, C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c). E.g., each of L¹ and L² can be CH₂.

A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹.

A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl.

A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., hydrogen).

A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen.

One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo or OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen.

One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹, and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen.

One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or halo. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen.

The carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) can have the R configuration.

The carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) can have the S configuration.

Each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c). E.g., each of L¹ and L² can be CH₂.

Z can be —NR¹⁰R¹¹.

One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b).

One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl.

One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. For example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be unsubstituted phenyl, and the other is hydrogen. As another example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. In embodiments, R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃). For example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be 3-methoxyphenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

Z can be —OR¹². In embodiments, R¹² can be C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(c). In other embodiments, R¹² can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b). For example, R¹² can be unsubstituted phenyl.

Z can be —S(O)_(n)R¹³, in which n can be 0, 1, or 2. In other embodiments, R¹³ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b). For example, R¹³ can be unsubstituted phenyl.

Z can be heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II):

R⁶ can be selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro. E.g., R⁶ can be halo (e.g., bromo). In embodiments, each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be hydrogen. Any one or more of the R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², A, and Z embodiments described herein can be combined with any one or more of the R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ embodiments described herein.

Each of L¹ and L² can be CH₂; A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen; Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹; and each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be independently selected from: (a) hydrogen; (b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); (d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); and (f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

Each of R³ and R⁶ can be halo (e.g., bromo); and each of R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be hydrogen. R⁹ can be hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be unsubstituted phenyl, and the other is hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃). One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be 3-methoxyphenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

Each of L¹ and L² is CH₂; A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen; Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹; and each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from: (a) hydrogen; (b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); (d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); and (f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl. Embodiment can include one or more of the following features.

Each of R³ and R⁶ is halo (e.g., bromo); and each of R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen. R⁹ can be hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be unsubstituted phenyl, and the other is hydrogen. One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃). One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be 3-methoxyphenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

In embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) applies. In other embodiments, (A) and (B); or (A) and (C); or (B) and (C) applies. In still other embodiments, (A), (B), or (C) apply.

Each of R and R′ can be, independently, hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl. Each of R and R′ can be, independently, C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., each of R and R′ can be CH₃). Each of R and R′ can be hydrogen.

The compound having formula (I) can include any one or more of or be selected from:

-   R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; -   S-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-iminopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide; -   5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-oxazolidin-2-one; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-one; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-methoxypropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; -   1-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3-Bromo-6-methyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-Dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3-Azidophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1,3-Bis(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxy-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-propanamide; -   Ethyl     5-(2-Hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propyl)-8-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate; -   4-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)aniline; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-((3-methoxyphenyl)(methyl)-amino)propan-2-ol; -   3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-1-(methylthio)propan-2-one; -   3-amino-1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)pyridinium; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxy-N-methylaniline; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-methoxypropan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-phenylbutan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; -   3-(1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfinyl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfonyl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3-bromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   N-(5-(3-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropylamino)phenoxy)pentyl)-2-(7-(dimethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetamide; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; -   N-(2-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)ethyl)-acetamide; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-3-ylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-ylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-5(2H)-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2,2-difluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(o-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(naphthalen-1-ylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(4-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenethylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-hydroxyethylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(tert-butylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate; -   1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol hydrochloride; -   1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate; -   1-(3,4-dihydro-1H-carbazol-9(2H)-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; -   N-(4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl)acetamide; -   1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; -   1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; -   1-(benzylamino)-3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; methyl     4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzoate; -   1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenoxyl)propan-2-ol; and -   1-amino-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; or a salt     (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound having formula (I) can be 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound having formula (I) can be R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof can be substantially free of (e.g., contains less than about 5% of, less than about 2% of, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5% of) 5-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound having formula (I) can be S-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, S-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof can be substantially free of (e.g., contains less than about 5% of, less than about 2% of, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5% of) R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound having formula (I) can be the (+) (dextrorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. See, e.g., Example 1a and 1b. In embodiments, the (+) (dextrorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof can be substantially free of (e.g., contains less than about 5% of, less than about 2% of, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5% of) the (−) (levorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound having formula (I) can be the (−) (levorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. See, e.g., Example 1a and 1b. In embodiments, the (−) (levorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof can be substantially free of (e.g., contains less than about 5% of, less than about 2% of, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5% of) the (+) (dextrorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

The methods can further include detecting a resultant neurotrophism (e.g., neurogenesis; and/or determining that the patient has aberrant neurotrophism, particularly aberrant neurogenesis, particularly aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis, or a disease or disorder associated therewith, particularly by detecting and/or diagnosing the same.

The methods can further include detecting a resultant neurotrophism.

The methods can further include detecting determining that the subject has aberrant neurogenesis or death of neurons or a disease or disorder associated therewith, by detecting the same in said subject.

The methods can further include detecting a resultant hippocampal neurogenesis.

The disease, disorder, or condition can be a neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease, including (but not limited to) schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, and abuse of neuro-active drugs, such as alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and cocaine.

In some embodiments, the compounds having formula (I) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof provide at least about 13.5 (X10E-06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyms when evaluated in the assay described in conjunction with Table 1 (i.e., evaluated for pro-neurogenic efficacy/neuroprotection in our standard in vivo assay at 10 μM concentration in four 12 week old adult male C57/B16 mice.

In some embodiments, the compounds having formula (I) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof provide at least about 8.5 (X10E-06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyms when evaluated in the assay described in conjunction with Table 1.

In some embodiments, the compounds having formula (I) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof provide from about 9 to about 15 (e.g., 9-13.5, 9.5-13, 10-12.5, 13.5-15, 13.5-14.5) (X10E-06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyms when evaluated in the assay described in conjunction with Table 1.

In some embodiments, the compounds having formula (I) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof provide from about 9 to about 13 (e.g., 9.5-13, 10-12.5) (X10E-06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyms when evaluated in the assay described in conjunction with Table 1.

In some embodiments, the compounds having formula (I) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof provide from about 13.5 to about 15 (e.g., 13.5-14.5) (X10E-06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyms when evaluated in the assay described in conjunction with Table 1.

In embodiments, any compound, composition, or method described herein can also include any one or more of the other features delineated in the detailed description and/or in the claims.

DEFINITIONS

The term “mammal” includes organisms, which include mice, rats, cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, goats, horses, monkeys, dogs, cats, and humans.

“An effective amount” refers to an amount of a compound that confers a therapeutic effect (e.g., treats, e.g., controls, relieves, ameliorates, alleviates, or slows the progression of; or prevents, e.g., delays the onset of or reduces the risk of developing, a disease, disorder, or condition or symptoms thereof) on the treated subject. The therapeutic effect may be objective (i.e., measurable by some test or marker) or subjective (i.e., subject gives an indication of or feels an effect). An effective amount of the compound described above may range from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, (e.g., from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg, from about 1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg). Effective doses will also vary depending on route of administration, as well as the possibility of co-usage with other agents.

The term “halo” or “halogen” refers to any radical of fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

In general, and unless otherwise indicated, substituent (radical) prefix names are derived from the parent hydride by either (i) replacing the “ane” in the parent hydride with the suffixes “yl,” “diyl,” “triyl,” “tetrayl,” etc.; or (ii) replacing the “e” in the parent hydride with the suffixes “yl,” “diyl,” “triyl,” “tetrayl,” etc. (here the atom(s) with the free valence, when specified, is (are) given numbers as low as is consistent with any established numbering of the parent hydride). Accepted contracted names, e.g., adamantyl, naphthyl, anthryl, phenanthryl, furyl, pyridyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, and piperidyl, and trivial names, e.g., vinyl, allyl, phenyl, and thienyl are also used herein throughout. Conventional numbering/lettering systems are also adhered to for substituent numbering and the nomenclature of fused, bicyclic, tricyclic, polycyclic rings.

The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described. Specific and general values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents. Unless otherwise indicated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, and the like denote both straight and branched groups.

The term “alkyl” refers to a saturated hydrocarbon chain that may be a straight chain or branched chain, containing the indicated number of carbon atoms. For example, C₁-C₆ alkyl indicates that the group may have from 1 to 6 (inclusive) carbon atoms in it. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substitutents. Examples of alkyl groups include without limitation methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, and tert-butyl.

As used herein, the term “straight chain C_(n-m) alkylene,” employed alone or in combination with other terms, refers to a non-branched divalent alkyl linking group having n to m carbon atoms. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substitutents. Examples include methylene (i.e., —CH₂—).

The term “haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group, in which at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by halo. In some embodiments, more than one hydrogen atom (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14) are replaced by halo. In these embodiments, the hydrogen atoms can each be replaced by the same halogen (e.g., fluoro) or the hydrogen atoms can be replaced by a combination of different halogens (e.g., fluoro and chloro). “Haloalkyl” also includes alkyl moieties in which all hydrogens have been replaced by halo (sometimes referred to herein as perhaloalkyl, e.g., perfluoroalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl). Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents.

As referred to herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to a group of formula —O(alkyl). Alkoxy can be, for example, methoxy (—OCH₃), ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, pentoxy, 2-pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, or hexyloxy. Likewise, the term “thioalkoxy” refers to a group of formula —S(alkyl). Finally, the terms “haloalkoxy” and “thioalkoxy” refer to —O(haloalkyl) and —S(haloalkyl), respectively. The term “sulfhydryl” refers to —SH. As used herein, the term “hydroxyl,” employed alone or in combination with other terms, refers to a group of formula —OH.

The term “aralkyl” refers to an alkyl moiety in which an alkyl hydrogen atom is replaced by an aryl group. One of the carbons of the alkyl moiety serves as the point of attachment of the aralkyl group to another moiety. Any ring or chain atom can be optionally substituted e.g., by one or more substituents. Non-limiting examples of “aralkyl” include benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, and 3-phenylpropyl groups.

The term “alkenyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing the indicated number of carbon atoms and having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. Alkenyl groups can include, e.g., vinyl, allyl, 1-butenyl, and 2-hexenyl. One of the double bond carbons can optionally be the point of attachment of the alkenyl substituent.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing the indicated number of carbon atoms and having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. Alkynyl groups can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. Alkynyl groups can include, e.g., ethynyl, propargyl, and 3-hexynyl. One of the triple bond carbons can optionally be the point of attachment of the alkynyl substituent.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a fully saturated monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or other polycyclic ring system having one or more constituent heteroatom ring atoms independently selected from O, N (it is understood that one or two additional groups may be present to complete the nitrogen valence and/or form a salt), or S. The heteroatom or ring carbon can be the point of attachment of the heterocyclyl substituent to another moiety. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. Heterocyclyl groups can include, e.g., tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidyl (piperidino), piperazinyl, morpholinyl (morpholino), pyrrolinyl, and pyrrolidinyl. By way of example, the phrase “heterocyclic ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(a)” would include (but not be limited to) tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, piperidyl (piperidino), piperazinyl, morpholinyl (morpholino), pyrrolinyl, and pyrrolidinyl.

The term “heterocycloalkenyl” refers to partially unsaturated monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, or other polycyclic hydrocarbon groups having one or more (e.g., 1-4) heteroatom ring atoms independently selected from O, N (it is understood that one or two additional groups may be present to complete the nitrogen valence and/or form a salt), or S. A ring carbon (e.g., saturated or unsaturated) or heteroatom can be the point of attachment of the heterocycloalkenyl substituent. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. Heterocycloalkenyl groups can include, e.g., dihydropyridyl, tetrahydropyridyl, dihydropyranyl, 4,5-dihydrooxazolyl, 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolyl, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-pyrimidinyl, and 5,6-dihydro-2H-[1,3]oxazinyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a fully saturated monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, or other polycyclic hydrocarbon groups. Any atom can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. A ring carbon serves as the point of attachment of a cycloalkyl group to another moiety. Cycloalkyl moieties can include, e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, and norbornyl (bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl).

The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to partially unsaturated monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, or other polycyclic hydrocarbon groups. A ring carbon (e.g., saturated or unsaturated) is the point of attachment of the cycloalkenyl substituent. Any atom can be optionally substituted e.g., by one or more substituents. Cycloalkenyl moieties can include, e.g., cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, or norbornenyl.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkylene” refers to a divalent monocyclic cycloalkyl group having the indicated number of ring atoms.

As used herein, the term “heterocycloalkylene” refers to a divalent monocyclic heterocyclyl group having the indicated number of ring atoms.

The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic monocyclic, bicyclic (2 fused rings), or tricyclic (3 fused rings), or polycyclic (>3 fused rings) hydrocarbon ring system. One or more ring atoms can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. Aryl moieties include, e.g., phenyl and naphthyl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic monocyclic, bicyclic (2 fused rings), tricyclic (3 fused rings), or polycyclic (>3 fused rings) hydrocarbon groups having one or more heteroatom ring atoms independently selected from O, N (it is understood that one or two additional groups may be present to complete the nitrogen valence and/or form a salt), or S. One or more ring atoms can be optionally substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents.

Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, 2H-pyrrolyl, 3H-indolyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, acridinyl, benzo[b]thienyl, benzothiazolyl, β-carbolinyl, carbazolyl, coumarinyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, dibenzo[b,d]furanyl, furazanyl, furyl, imidazolyl, imidizolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, naphthyridinyl, oxazolyl, perimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolyl, quinoxalinyl, thiadiazolyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, triazolyl, and xanthenyl.

The terms “arylcycloalkyl” and “arylheterocyclyl” refer to bicyclic, tricyclic, or other polycyclic ring systems that include an aryl ring fused to a cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl, respectively. Similarly, the terms “heteroarylheterocyclyl,” and “heteroarylcycloalkyl” refer to bicyclic, tricyclic, or other polycyclic ring systems that include a heteroaryl ring fused to a heterocyclyl and cycloalkyl, respectively. Any atom can be substituted, e.g., by one or more substituents. For example, arylcycloalkyl can include indanyl; arylheterocyclyl can include 2,3-dihydrobenzofuryl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolyl, and 2,2-dimethylchromanyl.

The descriptors “C═O” or “C(O)” refers to a carbon atom that is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom.

The term “oxo” refers to double bonded oxygen when a substituent on carbon. When oxo is a substituent on nitrogen or sulfur, it is understood that the resultant groups has the structures N→O⁻ and S(O) and SO₂, respectively.

As used herein, the term “cyano,” employed alone or in combination with other terms, refers to a group of formula —CN, wherein the carbon and nitrogen atoms are bound together by a triple bond.

In general, when a definition for a particular variable includes both hydrogen and non-hydrogen (halo, alkyl, aryl, etc.) possibilities, the term “substituent(s) other than hydrogen” refers collectively to the non-hydrogen possibilities for that particular variable.

The term “substituent” refers to a group “substituted” on, e.g., an alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocycloalkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group at any atom of that group. In one aspect, the substituent(s) on a group are independently any one single, or any combination of two or more of the permissible atoms or groups of atoms delineated for that substituent. In another aspect, a substituent may itself be substituted with any one of the above substituents.

Further, as used herein, the phrase “optionally substituted” means unsubstituted (e.g., substituted with an H) or substituted. As used herein, the term “substituted” means that a hydrogen atom is removed and replaced by a substitutent. It is understood that substitution at a given atom is limited by valency.

Descriptors such as “C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b)” (and the like) is intended to include both an unsubstituted C₆-C₁₀ aryl group and a C₆-C₁₀ aryl group that is substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b). The use of a substituent (radical) prefix names such as alkyl without the modifier “optionally substituted” or “substituted” is understood to mean that the particular substituent is unsubstituted. However, the use of “haloalkyl” without the modifier “optionally substituted” or “substituted” is still understood to mean an alkyl group, in which at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by halo.

In some embodiments, R^(b) can be as defined in any one, two, three, or all of (aa) through (dd). For example, R^(b) can be as defined in (aa) and (bb) or combinations thereof.

The phrase “Cy is a saturated, partially unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system” in the definition of R^(e) is understood to include each of the rings systems defined above (e.g., Cy can be coumarinyl or the ring component of biotin optionally substituted as defined anywhere herein).

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Pulse-chase analysis of BrdU-labeling identified magnitude and timing of cell death following birth of new neurons in the dentate gyms. 12 week old wild type male C57/B6 mice were individually housed without access to running wheels and injected on day 0 with BrdU (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Neural precursor cell proliferation in the dentate gyms (DG) subgranular zone (SGZ) and granular layer (GL) was subsequently monitored through immunohistochemistry for BrdU on days 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days post-injection. Four mice were evaluated at each time point, and 25-30 adjacent coronal sections through the hippocampus (progressing posteriorly from the point where the suprapyramidal and infrapyramidal blades are joined at the crest region and the dentate gyms is oriented horizontally beneath the corpus callosum) from each mouse were examined. On days 1 and 5, almost 100% of BrdU-positive cells within the DG were localized in the SGZ. The total number of cells decreased approximately 40% between days 1 and 5, in accordance with the appearance of apoptotic cell bodies in the SGZ. By day 10, some BrdU positive cells had migrated into the GL, with no significant change in total number of BrdU-positive cells in the DG. By day 15, BrdU-positive cells in the SGZ declined as the number of BrdU-positive cells in the GL stayed constant, suggesting that some of the cells migrating out of the SGZ and into the GL between days 10 and 15 underwent apoptosis. This trend continued through days 20-25. These results indicated that daily injection of BrdU over a one week period of continuous molecule infusion, a time period during which 40% of newborn cells in the SGZ normally die, would allow detection of compounds that enhance either proliferation or survival of newborn cells in the dentate gyms.

FIG. 2: Surgical placement of cannula and pumps did not affect hippocampal neurogenesis or survival of newborn neurons on the contralateral side of the brain. Mice infused with vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) over seven days by means of surgically implanted Alzet osmotic minipumps (Vehicle Infusion, n=5) displayed no difference in hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation, as assessed by BrdU incorporation normalized for dentate gyms volume, from mice treated identically except not having undergone surgery (No Surgery, n=4). When Alzet osmotic minipumps were loaded with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2; 10 mg/mL) (n=5), however, hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation roughly doubled with respect to both of the other two groups (*, p<0.001, Student's t test).

FIG. 3: Ectopic incorporation of BrdU served to eliminate molecules from further consideration. Immunohistochemical staining of BrdU in the hippocampal field should normally be restricted to the SGZ of the dentate gyms, as shown on the left. The in vivo neurogenic screen employed was designed to detect small molecules that selectively stimulated BrdU incorporation into replicating cells of the SGZ. Infrequently, some compounds exhibited non-specific BrdU incorporation in ectopic regions, such as CA3, CA1, cortex, and striatum, as shown on the right. Any molecules that demonstrated ectopic incorporation of BrdU were eliminated from the study.

FIG. 4: Screening of 100 pools of 10 compounds identified 10 pools with pro-neurogenic efficacy. The total number of BrdU-labeled cells in the dentate gyms subgranular zone (SGZ) approximately doubled following seven day infusion with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2; 10 mg/mL) (n=5) relative to mice infused with vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) (n=5). Each pool of ten compounds was tested for pro-neurogenic efficacy over a 7 day period in two independent mice at 10 μM concentration for each individual compound. Pools 7, 14, 18, 19, 41, 53, 54, 61, 69 and 70 displayed comparable stimulation of neural precursor cell proliferation as FGF-2 infusion. The majority of pools displayed no effect on hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation.

FIG. 5: Re-evaluation of positive pools verified statistical significance of enhanced BrdU-incorporation. Subsequent to their initial identification, pools 7, 14, 18, 19, 41, 53, 54, 61, 69, and 70 were re-evaluated in 2 additional mice each. Results shown are average with SEM of all 4 mice evaluated for each compound. All pools significantly (*, P<0.001, Student's t test) stimulated neural precursor cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyms SGZ relative to vehicle control.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C: Pro-neurogenic pools were broken down to identify individual pro-neurogenic compounds. FIG. 6A: In vivo evaluation of the ten individual compounds that composed pool #7 revealed that compound #3 stimulated either the proliferation or survival of neural precursor cells in the SGZ, whereas the remaining individual components of pool #7 did not. In this document this molecule is referred to as ‘Example 45 Compound.’ Each compound was infused at two different concentrations (100 μM (A and B) and 10 μM (C and D)) in two mice each. Example 45 Compound showed either pro-neurogenic or neuroprotective activity at both concentrations. Below the graphs are typical results of BrdU incorporation in the SGZ, which is notably greater in animals infused with either Pool #7 or Example 45 Compound. FIG. 6B: Molecular formulas and weights of individual pro-neurogenic compounds identified through the in vivo screen. FIG. 6C: Re-supplied compounds were evaluated in three mice per compound at 10 μM concentration to verify that the pro-neurogenic or neuroprotective effect on neural stem cells was not an artifact of storage conditions in the UTSWMC chemical compound library. Re-supplied compounds were verified to be 99% pure by mass spectrometry and shown to retain either pro-proliferative or neuroprotective properties in vivo in neural stem cells. All compounds significantly (*, P<0.001, Student's t test) stimulated neural precursor cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyms SGZ relative to vehicle control.

FIG. 7: Neurogenic efficacy of orally administered Example 45 Compound was dose-related. The graph on the left shows that the concentration of Example 45 Compound in brain tissue of mice that were administered compound by daily oral gavage for 7 consecutive days correlated with the dose of Example 45 Compound administered. The graph on the right shows that pro-neurogenic or neuroprotective efficacy of Example 45 Compound was roughly double that of vehicle control at doses ranging from 5 to 40 mg/kg. At decreasing dosage of Example 45 Compound the amount of neurogenesis decreased accordingly, until it reached levels no greater than vehicle control at compound doses below 1.0 mg/kg. Results shown are the average obtained from analysis of 5 adult wild type male mice at each dose.

FIG. 8: Analysis of molecules related structurally to Example 45 Compound revealed a region of the compound that could be chemically modified without loss of in vivo activity. An in vivo SAR study was conducted using 37 chemical analogs of Example 45 Compound (labeled on the graph as P7C3A1-41), each evaluated in 4 or 5 adult C57/B6 male mice. Some analogs revealed activity comparable to the parent compound, whereas others showed significantly diminished activity, or evidence of pro-neurogenic effect intermediate between vehicle and FGF controls. This exercise enabled identification of regions of the parent compound that might be amenable to chemical modification without loss of activity. As an example, Example 62 Compound retained robust activity with the aniline ring of Example 45 Compound substituted by an anisidine. This derivative compound was exploited to yield a fluorescent derivative by attaching a coumarin moiety to the N-phenyl ring.

FIGS. 9A and 9B: Activity of Example 62 Compound is enantiomer-specific. FIG. 9A: (+) and (−) enantiomers of Example 62 Compound were prepared. FIG. 9B: Evaluation of Example 62 Compound enantiomers showed that in vivo pro-neurogenic or neuroprotective efficacy was fully retained by the (+) enantiomer in a dose-dependent manner, while the (−) enantiomer showed diminished activity. Each enantiomer was evaluated at each dose in between 3 and 5 three month old adult wild type male C57/B6 mice.

FIGS. 10A and 10B: Example 45 Compound enhances the survival of newborn neurons in the dentate gyms. FIG. 10A: Immunohistochemical staining for doublecortin (DCX), an antigen specifically and transiently expressed in proliferating hippocampal neural precursor cells when they become irreversibly committed to neuronal differentiation, was substantially increased in newborn neurons in mice that were administered Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg) daily for 30 days by oral gavage, relative to that seen in mice that received vehicle only. These results are representative of 10 sections each from 5 mice in each group, and demonstrate that Example 45 Compound specifically promoted hippocampal neurogenesis. FIG. 10B: Example 45 Compound enhances hippocampal neurogenesis by promoting survival of newborn neurons. Three month old wild type C57/B6 male mice were exposed to orally-delivered Example 45 Compound or vehicle for 30 days (n=5 animals/group), administered a single pulse of BrdU via IP injection (150 mg/kg), and then sacrificed 1 hour, 1 day, 5 days or 30 days later for immunohistochemical detection of BrdU incorporation into cells localized in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms. No significant differences were observed between groups at the 1 hour or 1 day time points, though at one day there was a trend towards increased BrdU+ cells in the Example 45 Compound-treated group. At the 5 day time point, by which time 40% of newborn neurons normally die, animals that received Example 45 Compound showed a statistically significant (*, P<0.001, Student's t test) 25% increase in BrdU+ cells compared to the vehicle-only control group. This difference between groups progressed with time such that mice that received a daily oral dose of Example 45 Compound for 30 days, starting 24 hours after the pulse administration of BrdU, exhibited a 5-fold increase in the abundance of BrdU+ cells in the dentate gyms relative to vehicle-only controls. In this longer-term trial, BrdU+ cells were observed both in the SGZ and the granular layer of the dentate gyms.

FIG. 11: Quantification of short term (1 hour pulse) BrdU incorporation and cleaved-caspase 3 (CCSP3) formation in the dentate gyms showed that NPAS3-deficient mice have the same rate of proliferation of newborn cells in the dentate as wild type littermates (BrdU), but roughly twice the level of programmed cell death (CCSP3) (*, P<0.01, Student's t test). Three 6 week old male mice (NPAS3-deficient or wild type littermates) in each group were evaluated.

FIGS. 12A and 12B: Granule cell neurons in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient mice displayed morphological deficits in dendritic branching and spine density. FIG. 12A: Golgi-Cox staining of the dentate gyms illustrates that dendritic arborization of dentate gyms granule cell neurons in npas3^(−/−) mice is substantially less developed than in wild type littermates. Results shown are representative of 15 sections from five 12-14 week old adult male mice of each genotype. FIG. 12B: In addition to obviously reduced dendritic length and branching, granular neurons in the dentate gyms of npas3^(−/−) mice also exhibited significantly reduced spine density relative to wild type littermates (*, P<0.00001, Student's t test). These genotype-specific differences were not exhibited by neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.

FIGS. 13A and 13B: In hippocampal slice preparation from npas3^(−/−) mice, synaptic transmission was increased both in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyms (FIG. 13A) and the CA1 region of the hippocampus (FIG. 13B) relative to hippocampal slices from wild type mice. Extended treatment with Example 45 Compound normalized synaptic responses in the dentate gyms but not the CA1 region of npas3^(−/−) mice. Extended treatment with Example 45 Compound did not affect wild-type responses. Data are presented as the mean±SEM. Each group consisted of 1 or 2 slice preparation from each of 5 mice.

FIG. 14: Example 45 Compound has pro-neurogenic or neuroprotective efficacy in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient animals. Six 12 week old npas3^(−/−) mice were orally administered vehicle or Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg/d) for 12 days, and also injected daily with BrdU (50 mg/kg). At the end of day 12, mice were sacrificed and tissue was stained for BrdU and doublecortin (DCX). BrdU staining showed that Example 45 Compound increased the magnitude of neurogenesis in npas3^(−/−) mice by roughly 4-fold, as graphically represented above (*, P<0.001, Student's t test). DCX staining shows that Example 45 Compound also promoted more extensive process formation in differentiating neurons of the adult dentate gyms in npas3^(−/−) mice.

FIG. 15: Golgi-Cox staining of neurons in the dentate gyms shows that extended daily treatment of npas3^(−/−) mice with Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg/d) enhanced dendritic arborization. Hi-power micrographs are shown on top, and a lower power micrograph illustrating the entire dentate gyms is shown below.

FIG. 16: Measured thickness of hippocampal subfields in npas3 and wild type littermate mice that were treated with Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg/d) or vehicle every day from embryonic day 14 until 3 months of age demonstrated that Example 45 Compound selectively increased the thickness of the dentate gyms granular cell layer to a level approaching wild type thickness (*, P<0.01, Student's t test), without affecting thickness of the pyramidal cell layers of CA1 or CA3 regions.

FIG. 17: Immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase 3 (CCSP3), a marker of apoptosis, showed elevated levels of programmed cell death in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient animals. Apoptosis in NPAS3-deficient animals was inhibited by treatment with Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg/d, p.o., for 12 days), whereas analogous treatment with vehicle alone had no effect. Images shown are representative of 10-12 sections evaluated per animal, with 3-5 eight-week-old male NPAS3-deficient mice per group.

FIG. 18: Cell viability assay after exposure of cultured primary cortical neurons to Aβ₍₂₅₋₃₅₎ for 48 hours shows that Example 45 Compound protected neurons from cell death compared to vehicle-treated (control) samples. Observed protection was afforded with the (+) enantiomer of Example 62 Compound, but less so with the (−) enantiomer. Data are presented as the mean±SEM.

FIG. 19: Chemical structure of FASDP.

FIG. 20: Fluorescently-labeled Example 62 Compound, termed FASDP, was exposed to cultured U2OS osteoblast cells and observed to localize with a distribution that overlapped with that of Mitotracker dye. This observation indicated that the site of action of Example 45 Compound is localized in mitochondria.

FIGS. 21A and 21B: Example 45 Compound acts mechanistically in the mitochondria. FIG. 21A: Example 45 Compound preserved mitochondrial membrane potential following exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 in a dose dependent manner as judged by fluorescent imaging of TMRM dye, a cell-permeant, cationic red-orange fluorescent dye that is readily sequestered by intact mitochondria. FIG. 21B: The protective effect of Example 62 Compound was enantiomeric specific, with the (+) enantiomer retaining activity more so than the (−) enantiomer.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D: Example 45 Compound as compared to a known drug. FIG. 22A: Both Example 45 Compound and the Dimebon anti-histamine enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis (FIG. 22B), protected cultured cortical neurons from Aβ₍₂₅₋₃₅₎—mediated cell death (FIG. 22C), and protected mitochondria from dissolution following toxic exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 (FIG. 22D). In the in vivo assay of neurogenesis the Example 45 Compound exhibited a higher ceiling of efficacy than the Dimebon anti-histamine. In all three assays, the Example 45 Compound performed with greater relative potency than the Dimebon anti-histamine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, e.g., post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis) and/or promoting the survival of existing neurons by reducing neuronal cell death.

Compounds

In one aspect, this invention features compounds having general formula (I):

Here and throughout this specification, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R, R′, L¹, L², A, and Z can be as defined anywhere herein.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment.

Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Thus, for ease of exposition, it is also understood that where in this specification, a variable (e.g., R¹) is defined by “as defined anywhere herein” (or the like), the definitions for that particular variable include the first occurring and broadest generic definition as well as any sub-generic and specific definitions delineated anywhere in this specification.

Variables R¹, R², R³, R⁴

In some embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro) and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ (e.g., one of, e.g., R³) is bromo; and the others are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro); and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro); and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R³ is bromo; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R³ is bromo; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, and C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen and halo (e.g., bromo or chloro).

In some embodiments, each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, when any one or more of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be a substituent other than hydrogen, said substituent, or each of said substituents, is other than C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., other than C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., other than CH₃).

Variable L¹

In some embodiments, L¹ is C₁-C₃ (e.g., C₁-C₂) straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

In certain embodiments, L¹ is methylene (i.e., —CH₂—). In other embodiments, L¹ is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c). In embodiments, R^(c) is C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

In certain embodiments, L¹ is ethylene (i.e., —CH₂CH₂—). In other embodiments, L¹ is ethylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c). In embodiments, R^(c) is C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

Variable L²

In some embodiments, L² is C₁-C₃ (e.g., C₁-C₂) straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

In certain embodiments, L² is methylene (i.e., —CH₂—). In other embodiments, L¹ is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c). In embodiments, R^(c) is C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃). In embodiments, R^(c) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy. For example, R^(c) can be C₁-C₆ (e.g., C₁-C₃) thioalkoxy, such as —SCH₃.

In certain embodiments, L² is ethylene (i.e., —CH₂CH₂—). In other embodiments, L² is ethylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c). For example, the ethylene carbon more proximal to Z in formula (I) can be substituted as described in the preceding paragraph.

In certain embodiments, L² is a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in formula (I).

Non-Limiting Combinations of Variables L¹ and L²

In some embodiments, each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

In certain embodiments, each of L¹ and L² is CH₂.

In certain embodiments, one of L¹ and L² is CH₂ (e.g., L¹), and the other (e.g., L²) is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, each of L¹ and L² is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, L¹ is C₁-C₃ (e.g., C₁-C₂) straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c), and L² is a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in formula (I). In embodiments, L¹ can be, for example, methylene (i.e., —CH₂—) or methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c) (e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl, e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

Variable A

[I] In some embodiments, A is:

-   -   (i) CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is         independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹;         or     -   (ii) C═O; or     -   (iv) heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, wherein         from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene         is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further         substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In some embodiments, A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹ (e.g., hydrogen, halo, or OR⁹).

In certain embodiments, A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, A can be CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., hydrogen).

In certain embodiments, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen. In embodiments, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo or OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹, and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen or R⁹ can be C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

In certain embodiments, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or halo. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen.

In embodiments, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo or OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen.

For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen. R⁹ can be C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

As another example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other is hydrogen.

In other embodiments, each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is a substituent other than hydrogen.

For example, each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro).

As another example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹ (e.g., in which R⁹ is hydrogen), and the other is C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

As a further example, each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

In still other embodiments, each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen.

Embodiments can further include any one or more of the following features.

When the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) is substituted with four different substituents, the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) can have the R configuration.

When the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) is substituted with four different substituents, the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) can have the S configuration.

[II] In some embodiments, A is C═O.

[III] In some embodiments, A is heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, in which from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo (e.g., 1 oxo on a ring carbon); and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In certain embodiments, A is heterocycloalkylene containing 5 ring atoms, in which from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a). For example, A can be:

Non-Limiting Combinations of Variables L¹, L², and A

In some embodiments:

A is (i) CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹; or (ii) C═O; and

each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

In some embodiments:

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C_(r) C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹; and

each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

Embodiments can include one or more of the following features

Each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein.

Each of L¹ and L² is CH₂.

One of L¹ and L² is CH₂ (e.g., L¹), and the other (e.g., L²) is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein. For example:

-   -   L¹ can be CH₂; and     -   One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen; and     -   L² can be methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1)         independently selected R^(c) (e.g., C₁-C₆ (e.g., C₁-C₃) alkyl,         such as CH₃; or C₁-C₆ (e.g., C₁-C₃) thioalkoxy, such as —SCH₃).

Each of L¹ and L² is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein. For example:

-   -   each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be a substituent other than         hydrogen (e.g., one of which is CH₃), and     -   each of L¹ and L² is methylene that is substituted with C₁-C₃         alkyl, such as CH₃).

In some embodiments:

A is heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 (e.g., 5) ring atoms, in which from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); and

L¹ is C₁-C₃ (e.g., C₁-C₂) straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c), and

L² is a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in formula (I).

Variable Z

[I] In some embodiments, Z is:

-   -   (i) —NR¹⁰R¹¹; or     -   (ii) —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹; or     -   (iii) —OR¹²; or     -   (iv) —S(O)_(n)R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; or     -   (v) heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein         from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said         heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(a);     -   (vi) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(b); or     -   (vii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from         1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected         R^(b).

In certain embodiments, Z is as defined in (i), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), or (vii) in the preceding paragraph.

In certain embodiments, Z is as defined in (i), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vii) in the preceding paragraph.

In certain embodiments, Z is as defined in (i), (iii), (v), or (vii) in the preceding paragraph.

In certain embodiments, Z is as defined in (i), (iii), or (iv) in the preceding paragraph.

In certain embodiments, Z is:

-   -   (i) —NR¹⁰R¹¹; or     -   (iii) —OR¹²; or     -   (v) heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein         from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH,         N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said         heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(a).

In certain embodiments, Z is: (i) —NR¹⁰R¹¹; or (iii) —OR¹².

In certain embodiments, Z is: (i) —NR¹⁰R¹¹; or (iv) —S(O)_(n)R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2.

In certain embodiments, Z is: (iii) —OR¹²; or (iv) —S(O)_(n)R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2.

In certain embodiments, Z does not include heterocyclyl (e.g., a nitrogenous heterocyclyl, e.g., piperazinyl or piperidinyl) as part of its structure (e.g., as a fused ring or attached to another ring by a bond).

In certain embodiments, Z is other than heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In certain embodiments, Z is other than heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b) (e.g., other than pyridyl).

[II] In some embodiments, Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹.

[A] In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen, and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is a substituent other than hydrogen.

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen or a substituent other than hydrogen, and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is a substituent other than hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is a substituent other than hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen.

[B] In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the substituents delineated collectively in (b), (c), (g) through (k), and (l) below:

-   -   (b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4         R^(b);     -   (c) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6         of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃         alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally         substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);     -   (g) C₈-C₁₄ arylcycloalkyl, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion is optionally substituted with from 1-4             independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   (h) arylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms, wherein:         -   (1) the aryl portion from is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(b), and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a);     -   (i) heteroarylheterocyclyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl portion             is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl),             NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclyl             portion is optionally substituted with from 1-3             independently selected R^(a);     -   (j) heteroarylcycloalkyl containing from 8-14 ring atoms,         wherein:         -   (1) from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl portion is             independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S;             and wherein said heteroaryl portion is optionally             substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b); and         -   (2) the cycloalkyl portion is optionally substituted with             from 1-4 independently selected R^(a);     -   (k) C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₈ cycloalkenyl, each of which is         optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected         R^(a); and     -   (l) C₇-C₁₂ aralkyl, wherein the aryl portion is optionally the         aryl portion from is optionally substituted with from 1-4         independently selected R^(b),     -   and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ cannot be C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₈ cycloalkenyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the substituents delineated collectively in (b), (c), (g) through (j), and (l) above; and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the substituents delineated collectively in (b), (c), and (g) through (j); and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from:

(b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);

(c) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);

and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl (e.g., C₆) that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 (e.g., 1-3, 1-2, or 1) R^(b); and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from halo; or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, and —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; and C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e). In embodiments, R^(b) can further include halo.

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e). In embodiments, R^(b) can further include halo.

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e). In embodiments, R^(b) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃). In embodiments, R^(b) can further include halo.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is unsubstituted phenyl, and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein. R^(b) can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy, e.g., OCH₃). For example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be 3-methoxyphenyl. In embodiments, R^(b) can be further include halo.

[C] In some embodiments, when one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from the substituents delineated collectively in (b), (c), (g) through (k), and (l) above, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be:

(a) hydrogen; or

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or

(e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl), or —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); or

(f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is:

(a) hydrogen; or

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or

(e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl), or —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl).

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is:

(a) hydrogen; or

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or

(e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), or —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl).

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be:

(a) hydrogen; or

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃), which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or

(e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃.

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be:

(a) hydrogen; or

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃), which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d).

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be (d) or (e) or any subset thereof

[E] In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is C₆-C₁₀ (e.g., C₆) aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is C₆-C₁₀ (e.g., C₆) aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is unsubstituted phenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. In embodiments, R^(b) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkoxy, e.g., OCH₃). For example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is 3-methoxyphenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

[F] In some embodiments, each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ cannot be optionally substituted naphthyl (e.g., each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ cannot be unsubstituted naphthyl). In embodiments, each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is other than optionally substituted naphthyl (e.g., unsubstituted naphthyl) when R and R′ are defined according to definitions (1), (2), and (4); and A is CR^(A1)R^(A2) (e.g., CHOR⁹, e.g., CHOH), and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂).

[G] In some embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen, and the other is heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b).

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen, and the other is heteroaryl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-2 R^(b).

[III] In some embodiments, Z is —OR¹².

In some embodiments, R¹² is C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(c).

In some embodiments, R¹² is C₁-C₆ alkyl, which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(c).

In certain embodiments, R¹² is C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

In certain embodiments, R¹² is C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃), which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 (e.g., 1 or 2, e.g., 1) R^(c). In embodiments, each occurrence of R^(c) can be independently selected from —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, and —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl).

In some embodiments, R¹² is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 (e.g., 1-3, 1-2, or 1) R^(b).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from halo; or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, and —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; and C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e). In embodiments, R^(b) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃).

In embodiments, R^(b) can further include halo.

In certain embodiments, R¹² is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments, R¹² is phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b). R^(b) can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy, e.g., OCH₃). For example, R¹² can be 3-methoxyphenyl.

[IV] In some embodiments, Z is —S(O)_(n)R¹³, in which n can be 0, 1, or 2.

In some embodiments, R¹³ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 (e.g., 1-3, 1-2, or 1) R^(b).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from halo; or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, and —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; and C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e).

In certain embodiments, R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(e). In embodiments, R^(b) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., OCH₃).

In embodiments, R^(b) can further include halo.

In certain embodiments, R¹³ is unsubstituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments, R¹³ is phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b). R^(b) can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., R^(b) can be C₁-C₆ alkoxy, e.g., OCH₃). For example, R¹³ can be 3-methoxyphenyl.

In embodiments, R¹² and/or R¹³ cannot be substituted phenyl. In embodiments, R¹² and/or R¹³ cannot be substituted phenyl when R and R′ are defined according to definition (1); and A is CR^(A1)R^(A2) (e.g., CHOR⁹, e.g., CHOH), and each of L¹ and L² is C₁-C₃ alkylene (e.g., each of L¹ and L² is CH₂).

[V] In some embodiments, Z is heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In certain embodiments, Z is heterocycloalkenyl containing 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a).

In certain embodiments, from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl).

In certain embodiments, R^(a) at each occurrence is, independently selected from oxo, thioxo, ═NH, and ═N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), e.g., ═NH.

For example, Z can be:

[V] In some embodiments, Z is heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b).

In certain embodiments, Z is heteroaryl containing from 5-10 ring atoms, wherein from 1-4 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, and N(C₁-C₃ alkyl); and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-2 R^(b).

Variables R and R′

[I] In some embodiments, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II):

in which each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ halothioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro.

For purposes of clarification, it is understood that compounds in which R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II) correspond to compounds having the following general formula:

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², A, and Z can be as defined anywhere herein.

In some embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro) and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and the others are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one or two of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ (e.g., one of, e.g., R⁶) is bromo; and the others are hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, and nitro; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro); and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro); and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R⁶ is bromo; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is bromo; and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, and C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is independently selected from hydrogen and halo (e.g., bromo or chloro).

In some embodiments, each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, when any one or more of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ can be a substituent other than hydrogen, said substituent, or each of said substituents, is other than C₁-C₆ alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g., CH₃).

Embodiments can include any one or more of the features described anywhere herein, including (but not limited to) those described below.

{A}

Each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein.

R³ is selected from halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen).

R³ is selected from halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen).

R³ is halo (e.g., bromo or chloro); and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen).

R³ is bromo; and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen).

Each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen and halo(e.g., bromo or chloro).

Each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is hydrogen.

{B}

Each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

Each of L¹ and L² is CH₂.

One of L¹ and L² is CH₂ (e.g., L¹), and the other (e.g., L²) is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein.

Each of L¹ and L² is methylene that is substituted with 1 or 2 (e.g., 1) independently selected R^(c), in which R^(c) can be as defined anywhere herein.

L¹ is C₁-C₃ (e.g., C₁-C₂) straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c), and L² is a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in formula (I).

{C}

One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen. R⁹ can be C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

One of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other is hydrogen.

Each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be a substituent other than hydrogen. For example, each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be halo (e.g., fluoro). As another example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹ (e.g., in which R⁹ is hydrogen), and the other is C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

Each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen.

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹; and each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

{D}

Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹, in which R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

One of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b). In embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃). In embodiments, the other of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is unsubstituted phenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is phenyl that is substituted with 1 R^(b), and the other is hydrogen. In embodiments, R^(b) is C₁-C₆ alkoxy (e.g., C₁-C₃ alkoxy, e.g., OCH₃). For example, one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is 3-methoxyphenyl, and the other is hydrogen.

Z is —OR¹² or —S(O)_(n)R¹³, in which R¹² and R¹³ can be as defined anywhere herein.

Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments:

R³ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen); and

R⁶ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen).

In some embodiments:

R³ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen); and

R⁶ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen); and

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹; and each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c).

Embodiments can include any one or more features described herein (e.g., as described under {B} and {C} above).

In some embodiments:

R³ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R¹, R², and R⁴ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R¹, R², and R⁴ is hydrogen); and

R⁶ is a substituent other than hydrogen (e.g., halo and C₁-C₆ alkyl; e.g., halo, e.g., bromo); and and each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ can be as defined anywhere herein (e.g., each of R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen); and

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, or OR⁹; and each of L¹ and L² is, independently, C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c); and

Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹, in which R¹⁰ and R¹¹ can be as defined anywhere herein.

Embodiments can include any one or more features described herein (e.g., as described under {B}, {C}, and {D} above).

In some embodiments:

each of L¹ and L² is CH₂;

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OR⁹, and the other is hydrogen;

Z is —NR¹⁰R¹¹; and

each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from

(a) hydrogen;

(b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b);

(d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d);

(f) C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

Embodiments can include any one or more features described herein (e.g., as described under {A}, {C}, and {D} above).

In some embodiments:

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; or

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is, independently, hydrogen, halo, or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., hydrogen); or

A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), in which one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo (e.g., fluoro), and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen; and

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments:

one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹. In embodiments, the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be as defined anywhere herein; e.g., the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl. For example, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) can be OR⁹, and the other of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is hydrogen. In embodiments, R⁹ can be hydrogen; and

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof.

In embodiments, one or more of the following apply, e.g., when A is CHOH and Z is NR¹⁰R¹¹:

-   -   each of R³ and R⁶ is CH₃; and/or each of R³ and R⁶ is bromo;         and/or each of R³ and R⁶ is chloro; and/or one of R³ and R⁶ is         CH₃ (e.g., R⁶), and the other is bromo (e.g., R³);     -   each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is other than hydrogen;     -   each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen;     -   one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is heteroaryl as defined anywhere herein;     -   L¹ and/or L² is C₂-C₃ alkylene (optionally substituted);     -   (B) and/or (C) applies.

Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, Z is other than NR¹⁰R¹¹; and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², Z, and A can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, (B) and/or (C) applies. Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, Z is —OR¹² and/or —S(O)_(n)R¹³; and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², and A can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. In embodiments, (B) and/or (C) applies. Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, A is (ii) C═O; and/or (iv) heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); and R¹, R², R³, R4, L¹, L², Z can be as defined anywhere herein; or a salt (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof. Embodiments can include features from any one, two, three, or four of {A}, {B}, {C}, and {D}; or any combinations thereof.

[II] In some embodiments, each of R and R′ is, independently, hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl.

In embodiments, R and R′ can each be the same or different.

In certain embodiments, each of R and R′ is, independently, C₁-C₆ alkyl, e.g., each of R and R′ is CH₃.

In other embodiments, each of R and R′ is hydrogen.

Embodiments can include any one or more of the features described anywhere herein, including (but not limited to) those described in conjunction with Formula (III).

[III] In some embodiments, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heterocyclic ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(a). For purposes of clarification and illustration, a non-limiting example of these compounds is provided below (formula (IV)):

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², A, and Z can be as defined anywhere herein. Here, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heterocyclic ring containing 5-6 ring atoms.

Embodiments can include any one or more of the features described anywhere herein, including (but not limited to) those described in conjunction with Formula (III). In certain embodiments, R⁶³ can be hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃).

In some embodiments, it is provided:

(i) each of L¹ and L² must be C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c) when A is CH₂; or

(ii) Z must be other than heteroaryl containing from 5-14 (e.g., 5-6 or 6) ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b); e.g., other than substituted pyridyl, e.g., other than pyridyl substituted with C₁-C₃ alkyl (e.g., CH₃), e.g., other than 2 or 6-methylpyridyl.

[IV] In some embodiments, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl ring that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a). For purposes of clarification and illustration, a non-limiting example of such compounds is provided below (formula (V)):

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, L¹, L², A, and Z can be as defined anywhere herein. Here, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused C₆ cycloalkyl ring. Embodiments can include any one or more of the features described anywhere herein, including (but not limited to) those described in conjunction with Formula (III).

[V] In some embodiments, R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heteroaryl ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(b). See, e.g., the title compound of Example 13. Embodiments can include any one or more of the features described anywhere herein, including (but not limited to) those described in conjunction with Formula (III).

Compound Forms and Salts

The compounds of this invention may contain one or more asymmetric centers and thus occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, enantiomerically enriched mixtures, single enantiomers, individual diastereomers and diastereomeric mixtures. All such isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included in the present invention. The compounds of this invention may also contain linkages (e.g., carbon-carbon bonds, carbon-nitrogen bonds such as amide bonds) wherein bond rotation is restricted about that particular linkage, e.g. restriction resulting from the presence of a ring or double bond. Accordingly, all cis/trans and E/Z isomers and rotational isomers are expressly included in the present invention. The compounds of this invention may also be represented in multiple tautomeric forms, in such instances, the invention expressly includes all tautomeric forms of the compounds described herein, even though only a single tautomeric form may be represented. All such isomeric forms of such compounds are expressly included in the present invention.

Optical isomers can be obtained in pure form by standard procedures known to those skilled in the art, and include, but are not limited to, diastereomeric salt formation, kinetic resolution, and asymmetric synthesis. See, for example, Jacques, et al., Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolutions (Wiley Interscience, New York, 1981); Wilen, S. H., et al., Tetrahedron 33:2725 (1977); Eliel, E. L. Stereochemistry of Carbon Compounds (McGraw-Hill, NY, 1962); Wilen, S. H. Tables of Resolving Agents and Optical Resolutions p. 268 (E. L. Eliel, Ed., Univ. of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, Ind. 1972), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It is also understood that this invention encompasses all possible regioisomers, and mixtures thereof, which can be obtained in pure form by standard separation procedures known to those skilled in the art, and include, but are not limited to, column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography.

The compounds of this invention include the compounds themselves, as well as their salts and their prodrugs, if applicable. A salt, for example, can be formed between an anion and a positively charged substituent (e.g., amino) on a compound described herein. Suitable anions include chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, citrate, methanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, and acetate. Likewise, a salt can also be formed between a cation and a negatively charged substituent (e.g., carboxylate) on a compound described herein. Suitable cations include sodium ion, potassium ion, magnesium ion, calcium ion, and an ammonium cation such as tetramethylammonium ion. Examples of prodrugs include C₁₋₆ alkyl esters of carboxylic acid groups, which, upon administration to a subject, are capable of providing active compounds.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to a salt formed by the addition of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base to a compound disclosed herein. As used herein, the phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to a substance that is acceptable for use in pharmaceutical applications from a toxicological perspective and does not adversely interact with the active ingredient.

Examples of suitable acid salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Other acids, such as oxalic, while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be employed in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium), alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N-(alkyl)₄ ⁺ salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization. Salt forms of the compounds of any of the formulae herein can be amino acid salts of carboxy groups (e.g. L-arginine, -lysine, -histidine salts).

Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 1418; Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66, 2 (1977); and “Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use A Handbook; Wermuth, C. G. and Stahl, P. H. (eds.) Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta, Zurich, 2002 [ISBN 3-906390-26-8] each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The neutral forms of the compounds may be regenerated by contacting the salt with a base or acid and isolating the parent compound in the conventional manner. The parent form of the compound differs from the various salt forms in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to the parent form of the compound for the purposes of the invention.

In addition to salt forms, the invention provides compounds which are in a prodrug form. Prodrugs of the compounds described herein are those compounds that undergo chemical changes under physiological conditions to provide the compounds of the invention. Additionally, prodrugs can be converted to the compounds of the invention by chemical or biochemical methods in an ex vivo environment. For example, prodrugs can be slowly converted to the compounds of the invention when placed in a transdermal patch reservoir with a suitable enzyme or chemical reagent. Prodrugs are often useful because, in some situations, they may be easier to administer than the parent drug. They may, for instance, be more bioavailable by oral administration than the parent drug. The prodrug may also have improved solubility in pharmacological compositions over the parent drug. A wide variety of prodrug derivatives are known in the art, such as those that rely on hydrolytic cleavage or oxidative activation of the prodrug. An example, without limitation, of a prodrug would be a compound of the invention which is administered as an ester (the “prodrug”), but then is metabolically hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acid, the active entity. Additional examples include peptidyl derivatives of a compound of the invention.

The invention also includes various hydrate and solvate forms of the compounds.

The compounds of the invention may also contain unnatural proportions of atomic isotopes at one or more of the atoms that constitute such compounds. For example, the compounds may be radiolabeled with radioactive isotopes, such as for example tritium (³H), iodine-125 (¹²⁵I ) or carbon-14 (¹⁴C). All isotopic variations of the compounds of the invention, whether radioactive or not, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

SYNTHESIS

The compounds of present invention can be conveniently prepared in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Examples section, from commercially available starting materials, compounds known in the literature, or readily prepared intermediates, by employing standard synthetic methods and procedures known to those skilled in the art. Standard synthetic methods and procedures for the preparation of organic molecules and functional group transformations and manipulations can be readily obtained from the relevant scientific literature or from standard textbooks in the field. It will be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures. Those skilled in the art of organic synthesis will recognize that the nature and order of the synthetic steps presented may be varied for the purpose of optimizing the formation of the compounds described herein.

Synthetic chemistry transformations (including protecting group methodologies) useful in synthesizing the compounds described herein are known in the art and include, for example, those such as described in R. C. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, 2d. ed., Wiley-VCH Publishers (1999); P. G. M. Wuts and T. W. Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th Ed., John Wiley and Sons (2007); L. Fieser and M. Fieser, Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1994); and L. Paquette, ed., Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1995), and subsequent editions thereof.

The processes described herein can be monitored according to any suitable method known in the art. For example, product formation can be monitored by spectroscopic means, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (e.g., ¹H or ¹³C), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), spectrophotometry (e.g., UV-visible), or mass spectrometry (MS), or by chromatography such as high performance liquid chromatograpy (HPLC) or thin layer chromatography (TLC).

Preparation of compounds can involve the protection and deprotection of various chemical groups. The need for protection and deprotection, and the selection of appropriate protecting groups can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. The chemistry of protecting groups can be found, for example, in Greene, et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2d. Ed., Wiley & Sons, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The reactions of the processes described herein can be carried out in suitable solvents which can be readily selected by one of skill in the art of organic synthesis. Suitable solvents can be substantially nonreactive with the starting materials (reactants), the intermediates, or products at the temperatures at which the reactions are carried out, i.e., temperatures which can range from the solvent's freezing temperature to the solvent's boiling temperature. A given reaction can be carried out in one solvent or a mixture of more than one solvents. Depending on the particular reaction step, suitable solvents for a particular reaction step can be selected.

Resolution of racemic mixtures of compounds can be carried out by any of numerous methods known in the art. An example method includes preparation of the Mosher's ester or amide derivative of the corresponding alcohol or amine, respectively. The absolute configuration of the ester or amide is then determined by proton and/or ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. An example method includes fractional recrystallization using a “chiral resolving acid” which is an optically active, salt-forming organic acid. Suitable resolving agents for fractional recrystallization methods are, for example, optically active acids, such as the D and L forms of tartaric acid, diacetyltartaric acid, dibenzoyltartaric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, lactic acid or the various optically active camphorsulfonic acids. Resolution of racemic mixtures can also be carried out by elution on a column packed with an optically active resolving agent (e.g., dinitrobenzoylphenylglycine). Suitable elution solvent compositions can be determined by one skilled in the art.

The compounds of the invention can be prepared, for example, using the reaction pathways and techniques as described below.

A series of carbazole 1,2-aminoalcohol compounds of formula 3 may be prepared by the method outlined in Scheme 1. The 9-oxiranylmethyl-9H-carbazole of formula 2 may be prepared from an appropriately substituted carbazole of formula 1 and epichlorohydrin in the presence of a strong base such as sodium hydride.

The oxiranyl ring of formula 2 may be opened in the presence of a primary or secondary amine to produce the 1,2-amino alcohol of formula 3. Such reactive primary or secondary amines can be, but are not limited to, phenethylamine, 3-phenylallyl amine, and N-substituted piperazines and the like.

Alternatively, a variety of carbazole 1,2-aminoalcohol compounds of formula 8 may be prepared by the method outlined in Scheme 2. The epoxide of 9-oxiranylmethyl-9H-carbazole of formula 2 may be opened with a primary amine, H₂NR¹⁰, to produce the secondary aminoalcohol of formula 4 and then protected with an amine protecting group (P) such as tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) to afford the protected aminoalochol of formula 5. Next, the hydroxyl group of formula 5 may be alkylated with a strong base such as sodium hydride and an alkylating agent (RX) such as an alkyl halide, tosylate, triflate or mesylate to produce the ether of formula 6. Removal of the amine protecting group in the presence of a suitable acid can provide the desired OR ether compounds of formula 7. Finally, reductive alkylation of the secondary amine of formula 7 may be achieved in the presence of an aldehyde and a reducing agent such as sodium cyano borohydride (NaCNBH₃) to provide the tertiary 1,2-aminoalcohol of formula 8.

A series of substituted indole compounds of formula 11 and 12 may be prepared by the method outlined below in Scheme 3. Compounds of formula 11 may be prepared by the alkylation of an indole of formula 9 with an epoxide A, for example with epichlorohydrin or epibromohydrin, in the presence of a strong base such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) or n-butyllithium (n-BuLi) to produce the oxiranyl indole of formula 10. Next, opening of the epoxide of compounds of formula 10 with a primary amine, substituted alcohol or thiol in the presence of a strong base or a mild Lewis acid such as lithium bromide (LiBr) or bismuth chloride (BiCl₃) can provide the alcohol of formula 11. Additionally, compounds of formula 12 may be prepared by opening an epoxide B at the less hindered position with the indole nitrogen of formula 9.

In addition, a variety of epoxide derivatives may be prepared by following the methods outlined in Scheme 4. The secondary alcohol of compounds of formula 11 may be oxidized using an oxidizing agent or under Swern-like oxidation conditions to provide the ketone of formula 13 which can further undergo reductive amination to provide the amine of compound 14. Alternatively, the secondary alcohol may be converted into an ester using a carboxylic acid anhydride (where Z═R″C(O)) or an ether (where Z=alklyl) using standard alkylation conditions to produce compounds of formula 15. Fluorine compounds of formula 16 may be prepared by reaction of the alcohol of formula 11 with a fluorinating agent such as diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST). Nitrogen-heteroarylated compounds of formula 17 may be prepared in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper iodide and a heteroaryl iodide starting from compounds of formula 11 (where Y═N). Finally, sulfoxides and sulfones of formula 18 may be prepared under oxidative conditions, for example in the presence of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA), starting from sulfides of formula 11 (where Y═S).

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a carrier or adjuvant that may be administered to a subject (e.g., a patient), together with a compound of this invention, and which does not destroy the pharmacological activity thereof and is nontoxic when administered in doses sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the compound.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) such as d-α-tocopherol polyethyleneglycol 1000 succinate, surfactants used in pharmaceutical dosage forms such as Tweens or other similar polymeric delivery matrices, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts, or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat. Cyclodextrins such as α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin, or chemically modified derivatives such as hydroxyalkylcyclodextrins, including 2- and 3-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins, or other solubilized derivatives may also be advantageously used to enhance delivery of compounds of the formulae described herein.

The compositions for administration can take the form of bulk liquid solutions or suspensions, or bulk powders. More commonly, however, the compositions are presented in unit dosage forms to facilitate accurate dosing. The term “unit dosage forms” refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient. Typical unit dosage forms include prefilled, premeasured ampules or syringes of the liquid compositions or pills, tablets, capsules, losenges or the like in the case of solid compositions. In such compositions, the compound is usually a minor component (from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight or preferably from about 1 to about 40% by weight) with the remainder being various vehicles or carriers and processing aids helpful for forming the desired dosing form.

The amount administered depends on the compound formulation, route of administration, etc. and is generally empirically determined in routine trials, and variations will necessarily occur depending on the target, the host, and the route of administration, etc. Generally, the quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 1, 3, 10 or 30 to about 30, 100, 300 or 1000 mg, according to the particular application. In a particular embodiment, unit dosage forms are packaged in a multipack adapted for sequential use, such as blisterpack, comprising sheets of at least 6, 9 or 12 unit dosage forms. The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. Determination of the proper dosage for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. Generally, treatment is initiated with smaller dosages which are less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter, the dosage is increased by small amounts until the optimum effect under the circumstances is reached. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day if desired.

The following are examples (Formulations 1-4) of capsule formulations.

TABLE 1 Capsule Formulations Capsule Formulation Formulatn1; Formulatn2; Formulatn3; Formulatn4; mg/capsule mg/capsule mg/capsule mg/capsule Carbazole 100 400 400 200 (solid solution) Silicon Dioxide 0.625 2.5 3.75 1.875 Magnesium 0.125 0.5 0.125 0.625 Stearate NF2 Croscarmellose 11.000 44.0 40.0 20.0 Sodium NF Pluronic 6.250 25.0 50.0 25.0 F68 NF Silicon 0.625 2.5 3.75 1.875 Dioxide NF Magnesium 0.125 0.5 1.25 0.625 Stearate NF Total 118.750 475.00 475.00 475.00 Capsule Size No. 4 No. 0 No. 0 No. 2

Preparation of Solid Solution

Crystalline carbazole (80 g/batch) and the povidone (NF K29/32 at 160 g/batch) are dissolved in methylene chloride (5000 mL). The solution is dried using a suitable solvent spray dryer and the residue reduced to fine particles by grinding. The powder is then passed through a 30 mesh screen and confirmed to be amorphous by x-ray analysis.

The solid solution, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate are mixed in a suitable mixer for 10 minutes. The mixture is compacted using a suitable roller compactor and milled using a suitable mill fitted with 30 mesh screen. Croscarmellose sodium, Pluronic F68 and silicon dioxide are added to the milled mixture and mixed further for 10 minutes. A premix is made with magnesium stearate and equal portions of the mixture. The premix is added to the remainder of the mixture, mixed for 5 minutes and the mixture encapsulated in hard shell gelatin capsule shells.

Use

In one aspect, methods for treating (e.g., controlling, relieving, ameliorating, alleviating, or slowing the progression of) or methods for preventing (e.g., delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of developing) one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with, aberrant (e.g., insufficient) neurogenesis or accelerated neuron cell death in a subject in need thereof are featured. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein to the subject.

In another aspect, the use of a compound of formula (I) (and/or a compound of any of the other formulae described herein) or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) thereof as defined anywhere herein in the preparation of, or for use as, a medicament for the treatment (e.g., controlling, relieving, ameliorating, alleviating, or slowing the progression of) or prevention (e.g., delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of developing) of one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with, aberrant (e.g., insufficient) neurogenesis or exacerbated neuronal cell death is featured.

In embodiments, the one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions can include neuropathies, nerve trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases. In embodiments, the one or more diseases, disorders, or conditions can be diseases, disorders, or conditions caused by, or associated with aberrant (e.g., insufficient) neurogenesis (e.g., aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis as is believed to occur in neuropsychiatric diseases) or accelerated death of existing neurons. Examples of the one or more neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases include, but are not limited to, schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, and abuse of neuro-active drugs, such as alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, and cocaine. The resultant promotion of neurogenesis or survival of existing neurons (i.e. a resultant promotion of survival, growth, development, function and/or generation of neurons) may be detected directly, indirectly or inferentially from an improvement in, or an amelioration of one or more symptoms of the disease or disorder caused by or associated with aberrant neurogenesis or survival of existing neurons. Suitable assays which directly or indirectly detect neural survival, growth, development, function and/or generation are known in the art, including axon regeneration in rat models (e.g. Park et al., Science. 2008 Nov. 7; 322:963-6), nerve regeneration in a rabbit facial nerve injury models (e.g. Zhang et al., J Transl Med. 2008 Nov. 5; 6(1):67); sciatic nerve regeneration in rat models (e.g. Sun et al., Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Nov. 6); protection against motor neuron degeneration in mice (e.g. Poesen et al. J Neurosci. 2008 Oct. 15; 28(42):10451-9); rat model of Alzheimer's disease, (e.g. Xuan et al., Neurosci Lett. 2008 Aug. 8; 440(3):331-5); animal models of depression (e.g. Schmidt et al., e.g. Behav Pharmacol. 2007 September; 18(5-6):391-418; Krishnan et al. Nature 2008, 455, 894-902); and/or exemplified herein.

Administration

The compounds and compositions described herein can, for example, be administered orally, parenterally (e.g., subcutaneously, intracutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly, intraarticularly, intraarterially, intrasynovially, intrasternally, intrathecally, intralesionally and by intracranial injection or infusion techniques), by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally, via an implanted reservoir, by injection, subdermally, intraperitoneally, transmucosally, or in an ophthalmic preparation, with a dosage ranging from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, (e.g., from about 0.01 to about 100 mg/kg, from about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg, from about 1 to about 100 mg/kg, from about 1 to about 10 mg/kg) every 4 to 120 hours, or according to the requirements of the particular drug. The interrelationship of dosages for animals and humans (based on milligrams per meter squared of body surface) is described by Freireich et al., Cancer Chemother. Rep. 50, 219 (1966). Body surface area may be approximately determined from height and weight of the patient. See, e.g., Scientific Tables, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Ardsley, N.Y., 537 (1970). In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered by oral administration or administration by injection. The methods herein contemplate administration of an effective amount of compound or compound composition to achieve the desired or stated effect. Typically, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention will be administered from about 1 to about 6 times per day or alternatively, as a continuous infusion. Such administration can be used as a chronic or acute therapy.

Lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specific dosage and treatment regimens for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity and course of the disease, condition or symptoms, the patient's disposition to the disease, condition or symptoms, and the judgment of the treating physician.

Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of disease symptoms.

In some embodiments, the compounds described herein can be coadministered with one or more other threapeutic agents. In certain embodiments, the additional agents may be administered separately, as part of a multiple dose regimen, from the compounds of this invention (e.g., sequentially, e.g., on different overlapping schedules with the administration of one or more compounds of formula (I) (including any subgenera or specific compounds thereof)). In other embodiments, these agents may be part of a single dosage form, mixed together with the compounds of this invention in a single composition. In still another embodiment, these agents can be given as a separate dose that is administered at about the same time that one or more compounds of formula (I) (including any subgenera or specific compounds thereof) are administered (e.g., simultaneously with the administration of one or more compounds of formula (I) (including any subgenera or specific compounds thereof)). When the compositions of this invention include a combination of a compound of the formulae described herein and one or more additional therapeutic or prophylactic agents, both the compound and the additional agent can be present at dosage levels of between about 1 to 100%, and more preferably between about 5 to 95% of the dosage normally administered in a monotherapy regimen.

The compositions of this invention may contain any conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles. In some cases, the pH of the formulation may be adjusted with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, bases or buffers to enhance the stability of the formulated compound or its delivery form.

The compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents (such as, for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, or carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents which are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms such as emulsions and or suspensions. Other commonly used surfactants such as Tweens or Spans and/or other similar emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation.

The compositions of this invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, emulsions and aqueous suspensions, dispersions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions and/or emulsions are administered orally, the active ingredient may be suspended or dissolved in an oily phase is combined with emulsifying and/or suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

The compositions of this invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of this invention with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the active components. Such materials include, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

Topical administration of the compositions of this invention is useful when the desired treatment involves areas or organs readily accessible by topical application. For application topically to the skin, the composition should be formulated with a suitable ointment containing the active components suspended or dissolved in a carrier. Carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petroleum, white petroleum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the composition can be formulated with a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in a carrier with suitable emulsifying agents. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water. The compositions of this invention may also be topically applied to the lower intestinal tract by rectal suppository formulation or in a suitable enema formulation.

In some embodiments, topical administration of the compounds and compositions described herein may be presented in the form of an aerosol, a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition, a powder, or a solution. By the term “a semi-solid composition” is meant an ointment, cream, salve, jelly, or other pharmaceutical composition of substantially similar consistency suitable for application to the skin. Examples of semi-solid compositions are given in Chapter 17 of The Theory and Practice of

Industrial Pharmacy, Lachman, Lieberman and Kanig, published by Lea and Febiger (1970) and in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21st Edition (2005) published by Mack Publishing Company, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Topically-transdermal patches are also included in this invention. Also within the invention is a patch to deliver active chemotherapeutic combinations herein. A patch includes a material layer (e.g., polymeric, cloth, gauze, bandage) and the compound of the formulae herein as delineated herein. One side of the material layer can have a protective layer adhered to it to resist passage of the compounds or compositions. The patch can additionally include an adhesive to hold the patch in place on a subject. An adhesive is a composition, including those of either natural or synthetic origin, that when contacted with the skin of a subject, temporarily adheres to the skin. It can be water resistant. The adhesive can be placed on the patch to hold it in contact with the skin of the subject for an extended period of time. The adhesive can be made of a tackiness, or adhesive strength, such that it holds the device in place subject to incidental contact, however, upon an affirmative act (e.g., ripping, peeling, or other intentional removal) the adhesive gives way to the external pressure placed on the device or the adhesive itself, and allows for breaking of the adhesion contact. The adhesive can be pressure sensitive, that is, it can allow for positioning of the adhesive (and the device to be adhered to the skin) against the skin by the application of pressure (e.g., pushing, rubbing,) on the adhesive or device.

The compositions of this invention may be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art.

A composition having the compound of the formulae herein and an additional agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) can be administered using any of the routes of administration described herein. In some embodiments, a composition having the compound of the formulae herein and an additional agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) can be administered using an implantable device. Implantable devices and related technology are known in the art and are useful as delivery systems where a continuous, or timed-release delivery of compounds or compositions delineated herein is desired. Additionally, the implantable device delivery system is useful for targeting specific points of compound or composition delivery (e.g., localized sites, organs). Negrin et al., Biomaterials, 22(6):563 (2001). Timed-release technology involving alternate delivery methods can also be used in this invention. For example, timed-release formulations based on polymer technologies, sustained-release techniques and encapsulation techniques (e.g., polymeric, liposomal) can also be used for delivery of the compounds and compositions delineated herein.

The invention will be further described in the following examples. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner.

Examples Examples 1a and 1b S- and R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol

Representative Procedure 1 Step 1. Synthesis of 3,6-Dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole

Following a literature procedure (Asso, V.; Ghilardi, E.; Bertini, S.; Digiacomo, M.; Granchi, C.; Minutolo, F.; Rapposelli, S.; Bortolato, A.; Moro, S. Macchia, M. Chem Med Chem, 2008, 3, 1530-1534) powdered KOH (0.103 g, 1.85 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,6-dibromocarbazole (0.500 g, 1.54 mmol) in DMF (1.5 mL) at ambient temperature and stirred for 30 min until dissolved. Epibromohydrin (0.32 mL, 3.8 mmol) was added via syringe and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. Upon completion, the solution was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was washed 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was recrystallized from EtOAc/Hexane to afford the desired product (389 mg, 66%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.10 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.54 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 4.62 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 16.0 Hz), 4.25 (dd, 1H, J=5.5, 16.0 Hz), 3.29 (m, 1H), 2.79 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 4.5 Hz), 2.46 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 5.0 Hz).

ESI m/z 381.0 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₅H₁₂Br₂NO requires 379.9)

Representative Procedure 2 Step 2. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Following a literature procedure (Asso, V.; Ghilardi, E.; Bertini, S.; Digiacomo, M.; Granchi, C.; Minutolo, F.; Rapposelli, S.; Bortolato, A.; Moro, S. Macchia, M. Chem Med Chem, 2008, 3, 1530-1534) m-Anisidine (1.0 mL, 8.95 mmol) was added to a suspension of epoxide (3.02 g, 7.92 mmol) in cyclohexane (73 mL). BiCl₃ (0.657 g, 2.08 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated to reflux overnight. Upon completion, the reaction was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was washed 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired alcohol as an opaque yellow solid (998 mg, 25%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 8.12 (d, 2H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.52 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 8.8 Hz), 7.32 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.07 (dd, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.31 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 8.0 Hz), 6.21 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.12 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 2.4 Hz), 4.34-4.39 (m, 3H), 4.00 (br s, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.30 (dd, 1H, J=3.6, 13.2 Hz), 3.16 (dd, 1H, J=6.4, 13.2 Hz), 2.16 (br s, 1H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) δ 161.0, 149.2, 139.9 (2C), 130.4 (2C), 129.5 (2C), 123.8 (2C), 123.5 (2C), 112.8, 111.0 (2C), 106.7, 103.8, 99.8, 69.5, 55.3, 48.0, 47.4 ESI m/z 502.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₂H₂₁Br₂N₂O₂ requires 503.0)

Step 3. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-yl 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxy-2-phenylpropanoate

1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol (0.150 g, 0.298 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (6 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Pyridine (0.053 mL, 0.655 mmol) was added, followed by S-(+)-α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetyl chloride (S-Mosher's acid chloride, 0.083 mL, 0.446 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (0.004 g, 0.030 mmol). The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature over 4 hours, after which it was quenched by addition of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The mixture was extracted 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford a mixture of both possible esters and both possible amides (˜5:1 ester:amide ratio by ¹H NMR, 132 mg, 64%). Separation of the mixture was achieved using HPLC (Phenomenex SiO₂ Luna, 21×250 mm, 15% EtOAc/Hexane, 16 mL/min; HPLC Retention time: 25.6 min (ester 1) and 41.2 min (ester 2).

Ester 1: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.11 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.45 (dd, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.22 (m, 4H), 7.05 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.32 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.12 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.05 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 2.5 Hz), 5.59 (m, 1H), 4.54 (d, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 3.71 (br s, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.43 (m, 1H), 3.29 (ddd, 1H, J=5.5, 13.5 Hz), 3.19 (s, 3H).

Ester 2: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.08 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.42 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 9.0 Hz), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.04 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.31 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 6.11 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.01 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 2.5 Hz), 5.63 (m, 1H), 4.49 (d, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 3.82 (dd, 1H, J=5.5, 6.0 Hz), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 3.39 (m, 1H), 3.28 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 13.5 Hz)

Step 4. Synthesis of S- and R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol

Following a literature procedure (Abad, J-L.; Casas, J.; Sanchez-Baeza, F.; Messeguer, A. J. Org. Chem. 1995, 60, 3648-3656) ester 1 from example 3 (0.011 g, 0.015 mmol) was dissolved in degassed Et₂O (0.150 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Lithium aluminum hydride (1M in THF, 0.018 mL, 0.018 mmol) was added via syringe and the reaction was stirred for 20 min. Upon completion by TLC the reaction was quenched by the addition of MeOH and stirred for 45 min. The mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was extracted 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-30% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired alcohol (4.7 mg, 64%).

(From Ester 1): [α]_(D)=+10° (c=0.1, CH₂Cl₂)

(From Ester 2): [α]_(D)=−14° (c=0.1, CH₂Cl₂)

Example 2 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-iminopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propan-2-ol

Example 2 was prepared following Representative Procedure 2, except with a reaction time of 2 days at 80° C. The crude product was used without further purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) d=8.14 (2H, J=1.9 Hz), 7.55 (dd, 2H, J=1.9, 8.8 Hz), 7.35 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 6.83 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 6.37 (d, 1H, J=6.8), 6.32 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz), 5.65 (t, 1H, J=6.7 Hz), 4.39 (dm, 5H), 3.54 (d, 1H, J=13.9 Hz)

MS (ESI), m/z: found 473.9 (M+1)⁺([M+1]+ for C₂₀H₁₈Br₂N₃O requires 474.0)

Example 3a 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol

Benzenethiol (30 Tl, 0.29 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,6-dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole (101.6 mg, 0.27 mmol) in 5.0 ml MeOH at r.t. The reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. and stirred overnight at the same temperature. The reaction was monitored by 1 c/ms for the consumption of SM. The reaction was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and condensed.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) A 8.03 (d, 2H, J=2.1 Hz), 7.48 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 8.7 Hz), 7.33-7.20 (m, 7H), 4.33 (dd, 1H, J=4.3, 14.9 Hz), 4.20 (dd, 1H, J=6.9, 14.9 Hz), 4.00-4.12 (m, 1H), 3.05 (dd, 1H, J=5.3, 13.9 Hz), 2.93 (dd, 1H, J=7.2, 13.9 Hz), 2.51 (bs, 1H)

MS (ESI), m/z: found: 505.9 [M+O−1]⁻([M+O−1]− for C₂₁H₁₇Br₂NOS requires 504.9; (oxidation occurred under MS conditions; NMR not consistent with sulfoxide)

Example 3b 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 1, JN-131-168 was prepared from dibromocarbazole and phenoxymethyloxirane in 61% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 8.14 (d, 2H, J=1.9 Hz), 7.51 (dd, 2H, J=1.9, 8.7 Hz), 7.36 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.127-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.00 (t, 1H, J=7.3 Hz), 6.87 (dd, 2H, J=0.8, 8.9 Hz), 4.58 (dd, 1H, J=7.9, 16.7 Hz), 4.41-4.49 (m, 2H), 4.00 (dd, 1H, J-4.4, 9.6 Hz), 3.89 (dd, 1H, J=4.5, 9.5 Hz), 2.38 (d=1H, J=5.7 Hz)

MS (ESI), m/z: 517.9 [M+HCOO]⁻([M+HCOO]− for C21H17Br2NO2 requires 518.0

Example 3c 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfinyl)propan-2-ol

An aqueous solution of NaIO₄ (5.14 g) was added to silica gel (20 g) and shaken until a free-flowing solid was obtained. Thio-ether (1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol, (0.0120 g, 0.0244 mmol) and NaIO₄/silica gel (0.1018 g NaIO4, 0.122 mmol) were suspended in CH₂Cl₂ (1 mL). The white suspension was heated to 50° C. in a sealed vial for 4 hours until TLC showed complete disappearance of starting material. The reaction mixture was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc (1:9) to afford 0.0081 g white solid as product, yield 65.4% as a 1:1 mixture of diastereomers.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm=2.39 (dd, J=13.7, 1.7 Hz, 1H diastereomer A) 2.83 (dd, J=13.2, 2.9 Hz, 1 Dias. B) 2.97 (dd, J=13.2, 8.6 Hz, 1H Diast. B) 3.15 (dd, J=13.7, 9.3 Hz, 1H Diast. A) 3.90 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H Dias. B) 3.96 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H Diast. A), 4.24 (dd, J=15.0, 6.3 Hz, 1H Dias A), 4.30 (dd, J=15.2, 6.7, 1H Diast. B), 4.35 (dd, J=15.2, 6.0 Hz, 1H Diast. B), 4.45 (dd, J=15.1, 6.4 Hz, 1H Diast. B), 4.65-4.55 (m, 1H Diast. A) 4.87-4.76 (m, 1H Diast. B) 7.16 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H Diast. A) 7.34 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H Diast B) 7.60-7.30 (m, 7H Diast A+7H Dast. B) 8.08 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 2H Diast. A) 8.13 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 2H Diast B) MS (ESI) m/z: 549.9 [M+HCOO]⁻([M+CHOO]− for C₂₁H₁₇Br₂NO₂S requires 549.9).

Example 3d 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfonyl)propan-2-ol

To a solution of thio-ether (1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol, (0.0113 g, 0.0230 mmol) in 0.5 mL CH₂Cl₂, a solution of mCPBA (ca. 77% pure, 0.0129 g, 0.0575 mmol) in 0.5 mL CH₂Cl₂ was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The crude reaction mixture was neutralized by 9 mL Et₃N and stirred for 30 min then diluted with 30 mL EtOAc and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ 3×30 mL and brine 1×30 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc (3:7) to afford white solid as product (0.0120 g, yield 99.7%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) ppm 3.15 (dd, J=14.2, 3.0 Hz, 1H) 3.21-3.31 (m, 2H) 4.38 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H) 4.60-4.76 (m, 1H) 7.25-7.31 (m, 2H) 7.47-7.56 (m, 4H) 7.60-7.70 (m, 1H) 7.79 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H) 8.11 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 565.9 [M+HCOO]; 543.7 [M+Na]⁺([M+HCOO]⁻ for C21H17Br2NO3S requires 595.9; [M+Na]+ requires 543.9).

Example 4 N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide

Following a literature procedure (Morcuende, A.; Ors, M.; Valverde, S.; Herradón, B. J. Org. Chem. 1996, 5264-5270) triethylamine (14 Tl, 0.10 mmol) and acetyl chloride (8 Tl, 0.11 mmol) were added to a heterogeneous mixture of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol (53 mg, 0.11 mmol) and dibutyltin oxide (5.5 mg, 0.022 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (1.5 ml). The reaction vessel was purged with nitrogen, sealed and heated under microwave radiation to 150° C. for 9 minutes. The reaction was monitored by 1 c/ms and all SM had been consumed. The heterogeneous solution was filtered under vacuum to yield a white solid. The crude product was used without purification.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) Λ 8.09 (2H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.52 (dd, 2H, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz), 7.29 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.26 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 6.86 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 8.4 Hz), 6.68 (dd, 1H, J=1.3, 7.7 Hz), 6.62 (s, 1H,), 4.33-4.40 (m, 1H), 4.29 (dd, 2H, J=2.6, 6.0 Hz), 3.94 (d, 1H, J=4.1 Hz), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.51 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 14.0 Hz), 1.9 (s, 3H)

MS (ESI), m/z: 544.9 (M+1)⁺([M+1]⁺ for C₂₄H₂₂Br₂N₂O₃ requires 545.0)

Example 5 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-oxazolidin-2-one

Methyl chloroformate (10 Tl, 0.13 mmol) was added to a stirring solution of jn-128-186 (55.0 mg, 0.11 mmol) and indium powder (3.5 mg, 0.030 mmol) in acetonitrile (3.0 ml), and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at r.t. An additional 3.1 mg (0.027 mmol) of indium and 20 Tl (2.6 eq.) of methyl chloroformate were added. After several hours, the reaction was diluted with ethyl actetate, and washed with water and then brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The methyl carbonate was purified via flash chromatography in 20-40% ethyl acetate/hexanes. Sodium methoxide (3.0 ml) was added to a solution of carbonate (21.3 mg, 0.038 mmol) and methanol (1.0 ml). After an hour at ambient temperature the solution was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and brine and condensed.

¹H NMR (CD₃COCD₃, 500 MHz) Λ 8.40 (s, 2H), 7.78 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.64 (d, 2H, J=8.9 Hz), 7.23-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 6.70 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 5.24-5.31 (m, 1H), 5.00 (dd, 1H, J=7.9, 15.7 Hz), 4.91 (dd, 1H, J=3.2, 15.8 Hz), 4.38 (t, 1H, J=9.3 Hz), 4.05 (m, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H)

MS (ESI), m/z: 528.9 (M+1)⁺′. ([M+1]+ for C23H19Br2N2O3 calculated 529.0)

Example 6a N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline

DAST [(Et₂NSF₃) 0.12 ml, 0.916 mmol] was added dropwise to a solution of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol (0.102 g, 0.203 mmol) in 6.0 ml of anhydrous DCM at −78° C. The reaction was stirred at −78° C. for one hour before being slowly warmed to 0° C. over 5 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of phosphate buffer (pH=8) and extracted with DCM. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with 10 ml DCM. The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO4, filtered and concentrated. The crude reaction material was purified by flash chromatography on SiO2 (20% EtOAc/hexanes/0.2% TEA). Fractions containing the desired fluorinated product were further purified with 40% EtOAc/hexanes (+0.1% TEA). Isolated 5.7 mg desired product.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) Λ 8.16 (2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.56 (dd, 2H, J=1.9, 8.7 Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, J=8.6 Hz), 7.11 (t, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 6.36 (dd, 1H, J=2.2, 8.1 Hz), 6.23 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.15 (t, 1H, J=2.3 Hz), 5.11 (dddd, 1H, J=4.6, 5.8, 10.4, 47.7 Hz), 4.60 (m, 2H), 4.39 (dm, 2H), 3.95 (t, 1H, J=6.3 Hz), 3.75 (s, 3H) MS (ESI), m/z: 504.9 (M+1)⁺. ([M+1]+ for C₂₂H₁₉Br₂FN₂O calculated 505.0)

Example 6b N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxy-N-methylaniline

Using a similar procedure as used for Example 6a, Example 6b was synthesized in 71% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.13 (d, 2H, J=1.9 Hz), 7.54 (dd, 2H, J=1.9, 8.8 Hz), 7.23 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.12 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 6.32 (dd, 1H, J=2.2, 8.1 Hz), 6.26 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 8.0 Hz), 6.17 (t, 1H, J=2.4 Hz), 5.10 (dddd, 1H, J=4.6, 6.4, 10.7, 48.5 Hz), 4.37-4.48 (m, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.71 (m, 1H), 3.53 (td, 1H, J=6.9, 15.9 Hz), 2.99 (s, 3H).

MS (ESI), m/z: 518.9 [M+1]⁺([M+H]+ for C23H21Br2FN2O requires 519.0.)

Example 7a 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-one

Trietheylamine (1.65 ml, 11.8 mmol) was added to a stirring solution of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol (1.02 g, 2.02 mmol) in DMSO (21 ml). The solution was stirred for 30 minutes before addition of sulfur trioxide pyridine complex (0.659 g, 4.14 mmol). After stirring overnight, additional triethylamine (1.0 ml, 7.17 mmol) was added, followed by sulfur trioxide pyridine complex (0.663 mg, 4.17 mmol) an hour later. After stirring for 1 h, the orange solution was diluted with ˜150 ml ethyl acetate and washed several times with water and then brine.

The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO4, filtered and concentrated to yield brown foam. Flash chromatography on SiO₂ 100% (CH₂Cl₂+0.2% TEA) provided a higher R_(f) ketone (thioether, 18%) and a lower R_(f) ketone (Yield=40%).

Major product: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 8.18 (2H, J=1.9 Hz), 7.56 (dd, 2H, J=1.9, 8.7 Hz), 7.11 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.06 (t, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 6.30 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 8.2 Hz), 6.07 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.11 (t, 1H, J=2.2 Hz), 5.08 (s, 2H,), 4.41 (t, 1H, J=4.8 Hz), 3.90 (d, 2H, J=5.1 Hz), 3.72 (s, 3H) MS (ESI), m/z: 500.9 (M+1)⁺([M+1]+ for C22H18Br2N2O2 requires 501.0)

Example 7b 3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-1-(methylthio)propan-2-one

Following the procedure described for Example 7a, 7b was isolated as the minor product.

Minor product (7b): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.16 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.55 (dd, 2H, J=1.7, 8.8 Hz), 7.25 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.39 (dd, 1H, J=2.2, 8.2 Hz), 6.33 (dd, 1H, J=2.2, 8.0 Hz), 6.29 (t, 1H, J=2.2 Hz), 5.50 (d, 1H, J=18.0 Hz), 5.22 (d, 1H, J=18.4 Hz), 5.25 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H, exchangeable), 3.76 (s, 3H), 1.74 (s, 3H)

ESI m/z 498.9 [M-SMe+H]⁺([M-SMe+H]+ for C₂₃H₂₀Br₂N₂O₂S requires 499.0.

HRMS m/z: 546.9675 [M+H]+([M+H]+ for C₂₃H₂₀Br₂N₂O₂S requires 545.9612.

Example 8 N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-methoxypropyl)-3-methoxyaniline

Sodium hydride (9.0 mg, 0.23 mmol) was added to a stirring solution of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol (99.3 mg, 0.20 mmol) in DMF 0.5 ml, 0.39 M). The solution was stirred at room temperature for about 70 minutes before the dropwise addition of a solution of methyl iodide (14 ml. 0.22 mol) in DMF (1.0 ml). The reaction was monitored by 1 c/ms for the consumption of SM and the appearance of 0 and N-methyl products. After 2.5 hours of stirring at r.t, conversion was about 30% and about 5% N-methyl product had formed. The reaction was stopped when an increase of N-Me to 0-Me had been observed and conversion was about 50%. The brown solution was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed several times with water and finally brine. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and condensed. The mixture was purified by preparative TLC 30% EtOAc/hexanes.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) Λ 8.13 (s, 2H), 7.51 (dd, 2H, J=1.8, 8.8 Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.09 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 6.33 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 8.3 Hz), 6.21 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 8.0 Hz), 6.12 (m, 1H), 4.42 (m, 1H), 4.03 (bs, 1H), 3.85 (m, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 3.09 (m, 2H)

MS (ESI), m/z: 516.9 (M+1)′ ([M+1]+ for C₂₃H₂₂Br₂N₂O₂ requires 517.0)

Example 9 1-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 3,6-Dimethyl-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole

Following Representative Procedure 1, 3,6-dimethyl carbazole (Beyer, M.; Fritscher, J.; Feresin, E.; Schiemann, O. J. Org. Chem. 2003, 68, 2209-2215) was added to epichlorohydrin in 69% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) Λ 7.84 (d, 2H, J=1.0 Hz), 7.30 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.26 (dd, 2H, J=1.0, 8.5 Hz), 4.54 (dd, 1H, J=3.5, 16.0 Hz), 4.35 (dd, 1H, J=4.5, 16.0 Hz), 3.30 (m, 1H), 2.76 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 5.0 Hz), 2.52 (s, 6H), 2.51 (m, 1H)

Step 2. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Following Representative procedure 2, 1-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol was prepared from 3,6-Dimethyl-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole in 22% following purification by preparative TLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.84 (d, 2H, J=0.5 Hz), 7.30 (d, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.23 (d, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.05 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.28 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 8.0 Hz), 6.21 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 8.0 Hz), 6.12 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 2.5 Hz), 4.39 (m, 3H), 4.01 (br s, 1H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.31 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 11.5 Hz), 3.17 (dd, 1H, J=6.5, 13.0 Hz), 2.51 (s, 6H), 2.13 (br s, 1H)

ESI m/z 375.2 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₄H₂₇N₂O₂ requires 375.2)

Example 10 1-(3-Bromo-6-methyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 3-Bromo-6-methyl-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole

Following Representative Procedure 2, Example 14 was prepared in 74% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.13 (d, 1H, J=1.5 Hz), 7.80 (d, 1H, J=1.0 Hz), 7.50 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.33-7.28 (m, 3H), 4.57 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 15.5 Hz), 4.29 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 15.5 Hz), 3.29 (m, 1H), 2.77 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 4.5 Hz), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.48 (dd, 1H, J=2.5, 4.5 Hz)

Step 2. Synthesis of 1-(3-Bromo-6-methyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 2, Example 15 was prepared from 3-Bromo-6-methyl-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole in 41% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.14 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.31 (d, 1H, J=5.0 Hz), 7.29 (br s, 1H), 7.06 (t, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 6.29 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.21 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.11 (t, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 4.37 (m, 3H), 3.99 (br s, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.30 (dd, 1H, J=3.5, 13.5 Hz), 3.16 (dd, 1H, J=6.5, 13.5 Hz), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.14 (br s, 1H)

ESI m/z 439.1 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₃H₂₄BrN₂O₂ requires 439.1)

Example 11 1-(3,6-Dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 3,6-Dichloro-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole

Following Representative Procedure 1, 3,6-Dichloro-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole was prepared in 23% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 600 MHz) δ 7.92 (d, 2H, J=1.8 Hz), 7.40 (dd, 2H, J=1.8, 9.0 Hz), 7.32 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 4.59 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 16.2 Hz), 4.22 (dd, 1H, J=5.4, 16.2 Hz), 3.27 (m, 1H), 2.78 (dd, 1H, J=4.2, 4.8 Hz), 2.46 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 4.8 Hz)

Step 2. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-Dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 2, 1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol was prepared from 3,6-Dichloro-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole in 37% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.95 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.38 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.33 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.06 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.30 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.20 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 6.11 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 2.5 Hz), 4.30-4.35 (m, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.28 (dd, 1H, J=3.5, 13.0 Hz), 3.13 (dd, 1H, J=6.5, 13.0 Hz)

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 150 MHz) δ 161.0, 149.3, 139.7, 130.4 (2C), 126.9 (2C), 125.5 (2C), 123.4 (2C), 120.4 (2C), 110.5 (2C), 106.7, 103.8, 99.8, 69.6, 55.3, 48.0, 47.5.

ESI m/z 415.0 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₂H₂₀Cl₂N₂O₂ requires 415.1)

Example 12 1-(5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 5-Bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indole

Following a published procedure (Gundersen, E. G. U.S. Patent App. Publ. US 2005/070592) 2-Butanone (0.11 mL, 1.278 mmol) was added to a solution of 4-bromophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.300 g, 1.342 mmol in EtOH (3.8 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux for 22 h, concentrated in vacuo, and partitioned between EtOAc and 1N HCl. The organic layer was washed with H₂O and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-20% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired indole as a pink powder (200 mg, 67%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.69 (br s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.15 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.09 (dd, 1H, J=0.5, 8.5 Hz), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.15 (d, 3H, J=0.5 Hz)

ESI m/z 224.0 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₀H₁₁BrN requires 224.0)

Step 2. Synthesis of 5-Bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole

Following Representative Procedure 1,5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole was prepared from 5-Bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indole in 48% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.20 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 4.35 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 16.0 Hz), 4.09 (dd, 1H, J=4.5, 16.0 Hz), 3.17 (m, 1H), 2.72 (t, 1H, J=4.5 Hz), 2.35 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 5.0 Hz), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H).

ESI m/z 280.0 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₃H₁₅BrNO requires 280.0)

Step 3 Synthesis of 1-(5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 2, 1-(5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol was prepared from 5-Bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole in 39% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.17 (dd, 2H, J=7.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.11 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 6.75 (t, 1H, J=7.0 Hz), 6.60 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 4.17 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 3.27 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 8.5 Hz), 3.12 (dd, 1H, J=7.0, 13.0 Hz), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H) ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz) δ 147.9, 135.1, 134.3, 130.6, 129.6 (2C), 123.6, 120.9, 118.6, 113.7 (2C), 112.5, 110.5, 107.1, 69.9, 47.7, 47.4, 10.7, 9.0

ESI m/z 373.0 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₉H₂₂BrN₂O requires 373.1).

Example 13 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 3, 6-Dibromo-β-carboline

Following a literature procedure (Ponce, M. A.; Erra-Balsells, R. J. Heterocyclic Chem. 2001, 38, 1087) β-Carboline (0.100 g, 0.595 mmol) and SiO₂ (1.00 g) were suspended in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL). N-Bromosuccinimde (0.212 g, 1.189 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) and the solution was added to the carboline mixture slowly via syringe in the absence of light. The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 2.5 h, after which the silica gel was filtered off and washed 3×CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layer was extracted with 0.1 M NaOH and saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired 3,6-dibrominated carboline (25 mg, 13%) as well as 6,8-dibrominated carboline (15 mg, 8%) and the tribrominated carboline (36 mg, 19%).

¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO, 500 MHz) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.58 (d, 1H, J=1.5 Hz), 8.48 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 9.0 Hz), 7.58 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz).

ESI m/z 326.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₁H₇Br₂N₂ requires 326.9).

Step 2. Synthesis of 3,6-Dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole

Following Representative Procedure 1, 3,6-dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole was prepared from 3,6-dibromo-θ-carboline in 73% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 8.62 (d, 1H, J=0.8 Hz), 8.17 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 8.02 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 7.69 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.8 Hz), 7.41 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz), 5.34 (br s, 1H), 4.73 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 16.0 Hz), 4.27 (dd, 1H, J=5.2, 16.0 Hz), 3.32 (m, 1H), 2.83 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 4.4 Hz), 2.49 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 4.4 Hz).

ESI m/z 382.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₄H₁₁Br₂N₂O requires 382.9).

Step 3. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 2, 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol was prepared from 3,6-dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole in 14% yield after purification by preparative TLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 9.0 Hz), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.18 (dd, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 6.76 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 6.63 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 5.33 (br s, 1H), 4.38-4.49 (m, 3H), 3.37 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 13.0 Hz), 3.21 (dd, 1H, J=7.0, 13.0 Hz)

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz) δ 147.7, 141.2, 137.0, 132.6, 132.5, 130.9, 130.1, 129.7 (2C), 125.0, 122.0, 119.0, 118.6, 113.8 (2C), 113.4, 111.9, 69.6, 48.1, 47.9

ESI m/z 475.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₀H₁₈Br₂N₃O requires 476.0)

Example 14 1-(3-Azidophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 2, Example 14 was prepared in 14% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.13 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.53 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.12 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.44 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 8.0 Hz), 6.36 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 8.0 Hz), 6.20 (dd, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 4.35-4.41 (m, 3H), 4.10 (br s, 1H), 3.31 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 13.0 Hz), 3.17 (dd, 1H, J=6.5, 13.0 Hz), 2.11 (br s, 1H) ESI m/z 513.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₁H₁₈Br₂N₅O requires 514.0)

Example 15 1,3-Bis(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

3,6-Dibromocarbazole (0.050 g, 0.154 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (1.5 mL) and cooled to 0° C. NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.007 g, 0.169 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for 45 min at 0° C. 3,6-Dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole (0.059 g, 0.154 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 24 h. Upon consumption of the starting material by TLC, the reaction was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was washed 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired product (37 mg, 34%).

¹H NMR (acetone-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 8.36 (d, 4H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.64 (d, 4H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.56 (dd, 4H, J=2.0, 8.8 Hz), 4.72 (m, 5H), 2.78 (br s, 1H)

ESI m/z 747.0 ([M+CO₂H]⁻, C₂₈H₁₉Br₄N₂O₃ requires 746.8)

Example 16 1-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Following a procedure analogous to that used to prepare Example 15, Example 16 was prepared in 48% yield.

¹H NMR (acetone-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 8.36 (m, 2H), 8.14 (d, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.63 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.55 (s, 2H), 7.42 (dt, 2H, J=1.2, 7.2 Hz), 7.20 (dt, 2H, J=0.8, 7.2 Hz), 4.76 (m, 1H), 4.64-4.72 (m, 4H), 2.77 (br s, 1H).

ESI m/z 591.0 ([M+CO₂H]⁻, C₂₈H₂₁Br₂N₂O₃ requires 591.0).

Example 17 3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxy-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-propanamide

Step 1. Synthesis of Methyl 3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropanoate

3,6-Dibromocarbazole (0.300 g, 0.923 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (1.2 mL) and cooled to 0° C. NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.074 g, 1.846 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 1 h at 0° C. Methyl glycidate (0.471 g, 4.615 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred and warmed to ambient temperature over 3.5 h. Upon completion by TLC the reaction mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was extracted 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-30% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired product (125 mg, 32%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.10 (d, 2H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.53 (dd, 2H, J=2.0, 9.0 Hz), 7.36 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 4.63-4.55 (m, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 2.94 (d, 1H, J=5.5 Hz).

ESI m/z 425.8 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₆H₁₄Br₂NO₃ requires 425.9)

Step 2. Synthesis of 3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid

NaOH (0.64 mL, 1M solution in H₂O) was added to a suspension of methyl 3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropanoate (0.055 g, 0.129 mmol) in EtOH (2.6 mL) and the reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 2.5 h. The reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was acidified with 1N aqueous HCl. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×), and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to afford the desired product as a white solid (53 mg, 99%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 8.10 (d, 2H, J=1.5 Hz), 7.52 (dd, 2H, J=1.5, 8.5 Hz), 7.40 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 4.68 (m, 2H), 4.60 (dd, 1H, J=6.5, 15.5 Hz).

ESI m/z 411.9 ([M+H]⁺, C₁₅H₁₂Br₂NO₃requires 411.9)

Step 3. Synthesis of 3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxy-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-propanamide

3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid (0.025 g, 0.061 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ and cooled to 0° C. Thionyl chloride (0.005 mL, 0.073 mmol) was added dropwise and the reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. m-Anisidine (0.008 mL, 0.073 mmol) and Et₃N (0.010 mL, 0.073 mmol) were added and the reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 2.5 h. Upon completion, the solution was partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The aqueous layer was washed 3× with EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-30% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired product (15 mg, 48%).

¹H NMR (acetone-d₆, 500 MHz) δ 9.22 (br s, 1H), 8.34 (d, 2H, J=1.5 Hz), 7.65 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.59 (dd, 2H, J=4.0, 8.5 Hz), 7.42 (dd, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.24 (m, 1H), 7.20 (dd, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.67 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz), 5.56 (br s, 1H), 4.82 (m, 1H), 4.73 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H)

ESI m/z 514.9 ([M−H]⁻, C₂₂H₁₇Br₂N₂O₃ requires 515.0)

Example 18 Ethyl 5-(2-Hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propyl)-8-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate

Step 1. Synthesis of Ethyl 8-Methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate

Following a literature procedure (Harbert, C. A.; Plattner, J. J.; Welch, W. M.; Weissman, A.; Koe, B. K. J. Med. Chem. 1980, 23, 635-643) p-tolylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.500 g, 3.15 mmol) and 1-carbethoxy-4-piperidone (0.18 mL, 1.17 mmol) were suspended in EtOH (0.880 mL) and heated to reflux for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was removed from heat and allowed to stand overnight at ambient temperature. The resulting mixture was filtered and washed with 50% aqueous EtOH to afford the desired product as a beige powder (259 mg, 86%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.73 (br s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.18 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.96 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 4.64 (br s, 2H), 4.18 (q, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 3.85 (m, 2H), 2.81 (br s, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.28 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

Step 2. Synthesis of Ethyl 8-Methyl-5-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate

Ethyl 8-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate (0.025 g, 0.097 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous degassed THF and was cooled to −78° C. A solution of n-BuLi (0.082 mL, 1.78 M in hexanes) was added dropwise and the reaction was stirred at −78° C. for 30 min. Epibromohydrin (0.016 mL, 0.194 mmol) was added and the reaction was allowed to warm slowly to ambient temperature. After 3.5 h, epibromohydrin (0.008 mL, 0.097 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Upon completion, saturated aqueous NH4Cl was added to quench the reaction and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired product (15 mg, 49%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.19 (m, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 4.65 (br s, 2H), 4.32 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 15.5 Hz), 4.18 (q, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 4.08 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 15.5 Hz), 3.85 (m, 2H), 3.18 (m, 1H), 2.81 (br s, 2H), 2.73 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 4.5 Hz), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.38 (br s, 1H), 1.29 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz)

Step 3. Synthesis of Ethyl 5-(2-Hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propyl)-8-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate

Following a literature procedure (Chakraborti, A. K.; Rudrawar, S.; Kondaskar, A. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2004, 3597-3600) LiBr (0.001 g, 0.010 mmol) and m-anisidine (0.011 mL, 0.102 mmol) were added to ethyl 8-Methyl-5-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate (0.032 g, 0.102 mmol) and stirred vigorously at ambient temperature overnight. Upon completion the reaction was partitioned between EtOAc/H₂O, and the organic layer was concentrated to an orange oil.

The crude residue was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, 0-50% EtOAc/Hexane) to afford the desired product (30 mg, 67%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz) δ 7.23 (br s, 1H), 7.17 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.05 (dd, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.97 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 6.28 (dd, 1H, J=1.5, 8.0 Hz), 6.19 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.11 (br s, 1H), 4.64 (br s, 2H), 4.18 (m, 1H), 4.16 (q, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 4.12 (m, 1H), 3.80 (br s, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.23 (dd, 1H, J=3.5, 13.0 Hz), 3.07 (dd, 1H, J=7.5, 13.0 Hz), 2.83 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.27 (t, 3H, J=7.0 Hz).

ESI m/z 438.2 ([M+H]⁺, C₂₅H₃₂N₃O₄ requires 438.2).

Example 19 4-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 3,6-dibromo-9-(2-(oxiran-2-yl)ethyl)-9H-carbazole

Crushed KOH (0.0054 g, 0.0954 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added to 3,6-dibromocarbazole (0.0258 g, 0.0795 mmol, 1 equiv.) in 0.5 mL DMF solution and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. 1-Bromo-3,4-epoxybutane (0.0300 g, 0.199 mmol) in 0.5 mL DMF solution was dropwise added into the mixture and it was stirred at room temperature for overnight. Reaction crude was diluted with 20 mL EtOAc and washed with water 5×10 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford 31.2 mg white solid as product, yield 97.9%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.65-1.81 (m, 1H) 2.13-2.27 (m, 1H) 2.34 (dd, J=4.88, 2.64 Hz, 1H) 2.64 (dd, J=4.78, 4.05 Hz, 1H) 2.69-2.80 (m, 1H) 4.26-4.54 (m, 2H) 7.27 (d, J=8.69 Hz, 2H) 7.50 (dd, J=8.69, 1.90 Hz, 2H) 8.08 (d, J=1.90 Hz, 2H)

Step 2. Synthesis of 4-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol

According to Representative Procedure 2, Example 19 was isolated as a white solid in 31% yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.87-1.98 (m, 1H) 2.05-2.14 (m, 1H) 2.99-3.07 (dd, J=13.24, 3.43 Hz, 1H) 3.09-3.17 (dd, J=13.24, 8.27 Hz, 1H) 3.60-3.74 (m, 1H) 4.39-4.48 (m, 1H) 4.51-4.60 (m, 1H) 6.57 (d, J=7.71 Hz, 2H) 6.74 (t, J=7.34 Hz, 1H) 7.15 (dd, J=8.27, 7.59 Hz, 2H) 7.38 (d, J=8.69 Hz, 2H) 7.56 (dd, J=8.69, 1.90 Hz, 2H) 8.14 (d, J=1.85 Hz, 2H)

m/z (ESI): 486.9 (M+H⁺) ([M+1] for C22H20Br2N2O requires 467.0)

Example 20 N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)aniline

Step 1. Synthesis of 3,6-dibromo-9-(3-bromopropyl)-9H-carbazole

Crushed KOH (0.0673 g, 1.20 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added to 3,6-dibromocarbazole (0.3250 g, 1.00 mmol) in 2 mL DMF solution and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. 1,3-dibromopropane (0.5047 g, 2.50 mmol, 2.5 equiv) in 3 mL DMF solution was added dropwise into the mixture and it was stirred at room temperature overnight. The crude reaction mixture was diluted with 30 mL EtOAc and washed with 1M HCl 2×10 mL and water 3×10 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.1275 g colorless oil as product, yield 28.6%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 2.24-2.44 (m, 2H) 3.29 (t, J=6.05 Hz, 2H) 4.33 (t, J=6.59 Hz, 2H) 7.26 (d, J=8.83 Hz, 2H) 7.51 (dd, J=8.69, 1.95 Hz, 2H) 8.02 (d, J=1.71 Hz, 2H)

Step 2. Synthesis of N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)-2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide

Crushed KOH (0.0024 g, 0.0431 mmol) was added to 2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (0.0100 g, 0.0359 mmol) in 0.2 mL DMF solution and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. 3,6-dibromo-9-(3-bromopropyl)-9H-carbazole (Example 35, 0.0240 g, 0.0538 mmol) in 0.3 mL DMF solution was added dropwise into the mixture and it was stirred at room temperature overnight. The crude reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL EtOAc and washed with water 5×10 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.0082 g white solid as impure product, purity 66.9% (impurity is starting Ns-aniline; used without additional purification), yield 35.5%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.89-2.01 (m, 2H) 3.95 (t, J=6.61 Hz, 2H) 4.32-4.38 (m, 2H) 7.15 (s, 1H) 7.17 (s, 1H) 7.18-7.25 (m, 3H) 7.32 (d, J=3.66 Hz, 2H) 7.41-7.44 (m, 2H) 7.51 (dd, J=8.69, 1.95 Hz, 2H) 7.59-7.71 (m, 2H) 8.09 (d, J=1.90 Hz, 2H)

Step 3. Synthesis of N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)aniline

N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)-2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (0.0378 g, 0.0588 mmol, 1 equiv), cesium carbonate (0.0574 g, 0.176 mmol, 3 equiv) and benzenethiol (0.0194 g, 0.176 mmol) were mixed in 1 mL anhydrous THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. THF was removed under vacuum and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.0164 g colorless oil as product, yield 60.9%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) ppm 2.08-2.29 (m, 2H) 3.09 (t, J=6.56 Hz, 2H) 3.55 (br. s., 1H) 4.37 (t, J=6.69 Hz, 2H) 6.53 (dd, J=8.56, 0.95 Hz, 2H) 6.73 (t, J=7.32 Hz, 1H) 7.16 (dd, J=8.49, 7.37 Hz, 2H) 7.25 (d, J=8.69 Hz, 2H) 7.51 (dd, J=8.69, 1.95 Hz, 2H) 8.12 (d, J=1.85 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI), m/z: 456.9 [M+H]+([M+H]+ for C21H18Br2N2 requires 457.0)

Example 21 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of N-(but-3-enyl)-2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide

Crushed KOH (0.0484 g, 0.862 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added to 2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (0.200 g, 0.719 mmol) in 1 mL DMF, and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. 4-Bromo-1-butene (0.2426 g, 1.80 mmol) in 2 mL DMF solution was added dropwise into the mixture and it was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with 30 mL EtOAc and washed with 1M HCl 2×10 mL and water 3×10 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.1546 g white solid, yield 63.5%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) ppm 2.20 (q, J=6.90 Hz, 2H) 3.83 (t, J=7.15 Hz, 2H) 5.00 (d, J=4.39 Hz, 1H) 5.03 (s, 1H) 5.64-5.83 (m, 1H) 7.14-7.21 (m, 3H) 7.30 (d, J=1.85 Hz, 2H) 7.42-7.46 (m, 2H) 7.52-7.58 (m, 1H) 7.60-7.66 (m, 1H)

Step 2. Synthesis of 2-nitro-N-(2-(oxiran-2-yl)ethyl)-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide

mCPBA (77%, 0.0550 g, 0.246 mmol) was added to N-(but-3-enyl)-2-nitro-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide (0.0653 g, 0.196 mmol) in 1 mL CHCl₃ at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, then gradually warmed up to room temperature and continued to stir for 18 hr. After TLC showed the disappearance of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with a 1:1 mixture of water and saturated NaHCO₃ (2×10 mL) and water (10 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.0662 g colorless oil as product, yield 96.9%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.66-1.79 (m, 2H) 2.46 (dd, J=4.95, 2.66 Hz, 1H) 2.70-2.80 (m, 1H) 2.93-3.03 (m, 1H) 3.87-4.07 (m, 2H) 7.19-7.23 (m, 2H) 7.28-7.34 (m, 3H) 7.43-7.47 (m, 2H) 7.57-7.66 (m, 2H).

MS (ESI) m/z: 371.0 (M+Na⁺) ([M+Na]+ for C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₅S requires 371.1)

Step 3. Synthesis of N-(2-(oxiran-2-yl)ethyl)aniline

Prepared from 2-nitro-N-(2-(oxiran-2-yl)ethyl)-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide using an analogous procedure as used to prepare the compound of Example 20.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.64-1.79 (m, 1H) 1.98-2.15 (m, 1H) 2.55 (dd, J=4.90, 2.71 Hz, 1H) 2.79 (t, J=4.44 Hz, 1H) 3.00-3.10 (m, 1H) 3.31 (t, J=6.64 Hz, 2H) 3.87 (br. s., 1H) 6.62 (d, J=7.71 Hz, 2H) 6.71 (t, J=7.32 Hz, 1H) 7.18 (dd, J=8.49, 7.37 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 164.1 (M+H⁺) ([M+1]+ for C₁₀H₁₃NO requires 164.1)

Step 4. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol

NaH (60% dispersed in mineral oil, 0.0018 g, 0.0452 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,6-dibromocarbazole (0.0147 g, 0.0452 mmol) in 0.5 mL anhydrous THF and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. N-(2-(oxiran-2-yl)ethyl)aniline (0.0067 g, 0.0410 mmol) in 1.5 mL anhydrous THF solution was added dropwise and the resulting mixture was stirred at 60° C. overnight. THF was removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved in 10 mL EtOAc and washed with water 2×5 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using Hexanes/EtOAc to afford 0.0115 g colorless oil; yield 57.5%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 1.76-1.95 (m, 2H) 3.22-3.41 (m, 2H) 4.20-4.38 (m, 3H) 6.63 (d, J=8.49 Hz, 2H) 6.76 (t, J=7.32 Hz, 1H) 7.18 (t, J=7.95 Hz, 2H) 7.31 (d, J=8.74 Hz, 2H) 7.54 (dd, J=8.69, 1.95 Hz, 2H) 8.12 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 531.0 [M+HCOO]⁻ 486.9 [M+H]⁺([M+H]+ for C₂₂H₂₀Br₂N₂O requires 487.0)

Example 22 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol

Step 1. Synthesis of 1-amino-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

A solution of NH₃ (9.4 mL of 7M in MeOH, 65.6 mmol) was added to 3,6-dibromo-9-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole (0.500 g, 1.31 mmol,). The vial was tightly sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 100° C. and stirred for 1 hour. Volatile components were removed under vacuum. The residue was suspended in CH₂Cl₂ and the white precipitate was filtered. The filtrate was saved and CH₂Cl₂ was removed under vacuum to afford 0.3413 g white solid as crude product, which contained about 50% unidentified side-product. This crude product was used as is in next step without any further purification. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel provided pure material.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 2.61 (dd, J=12.66, 7.78 Hz, 1H) 2.90 (dd, J=12.52, 4.03 Hz, 1H) 3.96-4.06 (m, 1H) 4.32 (d, J=5.81 Hz, 2H) 7.36 (d, J=8.74 Hz, 2H) 7.55 (dd, J=8.69, 1.95 Hz, 2H) 8.13 (d, J=1.90 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 396.9 (M+H⁺) ([M+H]+ for C15H14Br2N2O requires 397.0)

Step 2. Synthesis of 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)oxazolidin-2-one

A solution of triphosgene (0.0890 g, 0.300 mmol, 0.35 equiv) in 2 mL anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ was added dropwise to a solution of 1-amino-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol (0.3413 g, 0.857 mmol) and Et₃N (0.1909 g, 1.886 mmol) in 1 mL CH₂Cl₂ under N₂ atmosphere at 4° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min at 4° C. and then warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour. CH₂Cl₂ was removed under vacuum. Saturated NH₄Cl (5 mL) and 10 mL EtOAc was added to the residue and stirred for 20 min. Then the aqueous layer was separated and the organic layer was washed with water 2×10 mL. The combined aqueous layers were extracted with EtOAc, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc to afford 0.1173 g white solid, yield 20.0% over 2 steps.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 3.37 (dd, J=8.98, 6.34 Hz, 1H) 3.67 (t, J=8.49 Hz, 1H) 4.54 (dd, J=5.22, 1.81 Hz, 2H) 5.02 (br. s., 1H) 5.05-5.14 (m, 1H) 7.31 (d, J=8.69 Hz, 2H) 7.58 (dd, J=8.69, 1.85 Hz, 2H) 8.14 (d, J=1.85 Hz, 2H) MS (ESI) m/z: 466.9 [M+HCOO]⁻([M+HCOO]− for C₁₆H₁₂Br₂N₂O₂ requires 466.9.

Step 3. Synthesis of 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-3-(pyridin-2-yl)oxazolidin-2-one

A mixture of 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)oxazolidin-2-one (0.0195 g, 0.0460 mmol), 2-iodopyridine (0.0209 g, 0.102 mmol), CuI (0.0009 g, 0.00460 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (0.0058 g, 0.0418 mmol,) in 0.5 mL of DMSO was sealed tightly in a vial and heated at 130° C. for 12 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and diluted with 20 mL EtOAc and washed with water 5×10 mL. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to afford the crude product, which was subjected to silica gel chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc as elute to afford 0.0183 g white solid as product, yield 79.4%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 4.04 (dd, J=10.79, 7.08 Hz, 1H) 4.36 (dd, J=10.69, 8.74 Hz, 1H) 4.60 (d, J=5.03 Hz, 2H) 5.02-5.16 (m, 1H) 7.02 (t, J=6.08 Hz, 1H) 7.35 (d, J=8.69 Hz, 2H) 7.59 (dd, J=8.66, 1.73 Hz, 2H) 7.68 (t, J=7.88 Hz, 1H) 8.11 (s, 1H) 8.13 (d, J=1.32 Hz, 2H) 8.25 (d, J=4.93 Hz, 1H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 543.9 [M+HCOO]⁻([M+HCOO]− for C₂₁H₁₅Br₂N₃O₂ requires 544.0)

Step 4. Synthesis of 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol

LiOH.H₂O (0.0076 g, 0.182 mmol, 10 equiv) was added to 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-3-(pyridin-2-yl)oxazolidin-2-one (0.0091 g, 0.0182 mmol) in a mixture of 208 μL THF and 234, H₂O (v/v=9:1). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 7 days. The reaction mixture was purified by silica gel chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc as elute to afford 0.0071 g white solid as product, yield 41.0%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ ppm 2.27-2.44 (m, 1H) 3.15-3.32 (m, 1H) 3.44 (dd, J=15.23, 5.03 Hz, 1H) 4.26-4.41 (m, 3H) 4.52 (t, J=5.00 Hz, 1H) 6.46 (d, J=8.00 Hz, 1H) 6.66 (t, J=6.20 Hz, 1H) 7.37 (d, J=8.74 Hz, 2H) 7.40-7.48 (m, 1H) 7.56 (dd, J=8.69, 1.90 Hz, 2H) 8.04 (d, J=4.49 Hz, 1H) 8.14 (d, J=1.85 Hz, 2H)

MS (ESI) m/z: 518.0 [M+HCOO]⁻([M+HCOO]− for C₂₀H₁₇Br₂N₃O requires 518.0.

Example 23 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-((3-methoxyphenyl)(methyl)-amino)propan-2-ol

Synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 25 3-amino-1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)pyridinium

Example 25 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 26 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol

Synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 28 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-methoxypropan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 1, Example 28 was prepared from dibromocarbazole and methoxymethyloxirane

Example 29 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-phenylbutan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 1, Example 29 was prepared from dibromocarbazole and 2-phenethyloxirane.

Example 30 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol

Following Representative Procedure 1, Example 30 was prepared from dibromocarbazole and 1-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole.

Example 31 3-(1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-ol

Example 31 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 32 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Example 32 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 33 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol

Example 33 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 36 1-(3-bromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Example 36 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 37 N-(5-(3-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropylamino)phenoxy)pentyl)-2-(7-(dimethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetamide

The coumarin was attached to Example 62 Compound using a known procedure (Alexander, M. D., Burkart, M. D., Leonard, M. S., Portonovo, P., Liang, B., Ding, X., Joullie, M. M., Gulledge, B. M., Aggen, J. B., Chamberlin, A. R., Sandler, J., Fenical, W., Cui, J., Gharpure, S. J., Polosukhin, A., Zhang, H-R., Evans, P.A., Richardson, A. D., Harper, M. K., Ireland, C. M., Vong, B. G., Brady, T. P., Theodorakis, E. A., and La Clair, J. J. Chem Bio Chem, 2006, 7, 409-416.

Example 39 N-(2-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)ethyl)-acetamide

Example 39 was synthesized following Representative Procedure 1 and Example 3b.

Example 40 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-3-ylamino)propan-2-ol

Example 40 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 41 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-ylamino)propan-2-ol

Example 41 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 42 1-(2,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-5(2H)-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Example 42 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2.

Example 43 N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2,2-difluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline

Example 43 was synthesized using a similar synthetic procedure analogous to Representative Procedure 2 and Example 6a.

Example 45 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 46 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(o-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 47 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 48 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 50 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 51 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 52 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 53 1-(4-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 54 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenethylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 55 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-hydroxyethylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 56 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 57 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 58 1-(2-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 59 1-(tert-butylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 60 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 61 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 62 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 63 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 64 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 65 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 66 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 67 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemDiv, Inc.

Example 68 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 69 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 70 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 71 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 72 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 73 1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol hydrochloride

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 74 1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 75 1-(3,4-dihydro-1H-carbazol-9(2H)-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 76 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 77 1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 78 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 79 1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 80 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 81 N-(4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl)acetamide

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 82 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 83 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 84 1-(benzylamino)-3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 85 methyl 4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzoate

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 86 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenoxyl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Example 87 1-amino-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol

Purchased from ChemBridge Corporation

Compounds were tested in vivo for dose-responsive neurotrophic efficacy. The results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 In Vivo Activity Example In Vivo Activity 23 intermediate  9 low  7b intermediate  2 intermediate 25 low  3a high 26 low  4 intermediate  6a high  5 intermediate  8 intermediate 10 high 11 low  1a high  1b Low 12 intermediate 28 intermediate 29 low 30 low 31 low 32 low 33 low 19 low  3d high 13 high 17 intermediate 21 high 20 intermediate 15 low 16 low 14 low ‘High Activity’ is greater than or equal to 13.5 (×10E−06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyrus ‘Intermediate Activity’ is between 13 and 9.5 (×10E−06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyrus ‘Low Activity’ is less than or equal to 9 (SEM) (×10E−06) BrdU+ cells/mm³ dentate gyrus Compounds were evaluated for pro-neurogenic efficacy/neuroprotection in our standard in vivo assay at 10 μM concentration in four 12 week old adult male C57/Bl6 mice.

The (+) (dextrorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein exhibited high activity.

The (−) (levorotatory) enantiomer of 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol as described herein exhibited low activity.

Identification of Pro-Neurogenic or Neuroprotective Compounds:

In an effort to identify compounds that might stimulate the birth of new neurons, or protect newborn neurons from cell death, a library of 1,000 compounds was screened using an in vivo assay. In the initial screen, compounds were randomly pooled into groups of ten and administered intracerebroventricularly at a constant rate over seven days into the left lateral ventricle of living mice via Alzet osmotic mini-pumps. Compounds were administered at a concentration of 10 μM for each molecule, making a total solute concentration of 100 μM. After seven days of infusion at a constant rate of 0.5 μL/hour, a total of 84 μL, of volume will have left the pump (0.00084 μMoles) and entered the cerebrospinal fluid. The average volume of a brain from a 12 week old male, C57/B6 mouse in our study is 500 mm³. The maximal amount of drug was estimated that could potentially be present in the brain, taking the extreme and unlikely scenario of 100% absorbance of the drug into brain tissue and 0% clearance throughout the seven day infusion period. Under these conditions, at the end of one week of infusion each compound would be present at 1.7 μMolar concentration. Since the actual amount of chemical compound in the brain is likely to be only a fraction of this predicted level, it is reasonable to estimate that compounds were administered at mid to low-nanomolar concentrations.

During compound infusion, animals were intraperitoneally (IP) injected daily with the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), as a means of scoring the birth and survival of proliferating neural precursor cells in the hippocampus. Because both social interaction and voluntary exercise are known to stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis, mice were housed individually without access to running wheels throughout the screening period. Following the week-long period of compound administration, animals were perfused and sacrificed. Dissected brain tissue was fixed, embedded, sectioned, stained with antibodies to BrdU, and evaluated by light microcopy as a means of quantifying neurogenesis and survival of newborn neural precursor cells localized to the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms on the brain hemisphere contralateral to the side of mini-pump cannulation. Every fifth section throughout the entire rostral-caudal extent of the hippocampus was analyzed, and the total number of BrdU+ cells was normalized against the measured volume of the dentate gyms. Because both increased proliferation and survival of newborn neurons are important screening parameters, the screen was conducted over seven days in order to cast a wide net to detect molecules that might augment either process. The choice of parameters for the screen was based on pulse-chase experiments with a single injection of BrdU, under identical conditions to those used in our screen, which revealed that 40% of newborn cells in the dentate gyms die within the first five days of their birth (FIG. 1). Intracranial infusions of either fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) or artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF) vehicle via the same, week-long protocol were employed as positive and negative controls. There was no difference in the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the dentate gyms between mice subjected to surgical pump implantation and infusion with vehicle, and mice having had no surgery (FIG. 2). This confirmed the validity of the in vivo approach to assess the ability of intracerebroventricularly infused compounds to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in the contralateral hemisphere.

We considered it to be important that stimulation of neurogenesis triggered by any compound be localized to the exact region of the brain known to produce new neurons at an enhanced level in response to healthy activities such as wheel running, access to an enriched environment, or access to social interaction. For this reason attention was focused solely on compound pools that stimulated BrdU incorporation only in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyms. Prominent nonspecific incorporation of BrdU in ectopic regions, such as CA3, CA1, cortex, or striatum, was presumed to reflect pathological inflammation, as proliferating cells incorporate BrdU in DNA synthesis, or to indicate other forms of toxicity, as cells also incorporate BrdU during DNA repair. Any compound pools yielding ectopic BrdU incorporation were eliminated from the screen. For an example, see FIG. 3.

Each of the 100 pools was tested on two independent mice. As shown in FIG. 4, ten of the 100 test pools were observed to enhance dentate gyms-specific neurogenesis to an extent roughly equivalent to FGF-2. Each pool that scored positive in the initial two test animals was subsequently re-evaluated in two additional mice, and all ten pools were found to exert their pro-neurogenic effect with statistical significance (FIG. 5). In order to identify single, pro-neurogenic compounds, positive pools were broken down into their ten component molecules, each of which was infused individually at two concentrations (10 μM and 100 μM) in two mice per concentration. FIG. 6A shows the results of break-down assays on pool #7, wherein it was discovered that neurogenesis was selectively stimulated by one of the constituent chemicals of the pool (compound #3), chemicals in the pool demonstrating no effect. We designate this molecule as Example 45 Compound. In breaking down the ten positive pools, eight pools yielded a single pro-neurogenic compound (FIG. 6B). To ensure that the pro-proliferative or neuroprotective effect on neural stem cells was not an artifact of storage conditions in the UTSWMC chemical compound library, re-supplied compounds were verified to by 99% pure by mass spectrometry, evaluated in 4 mice each at 10 μM concentration, and shown to retain either pro-proliferative or neuroprotective properties in neural stem cells (FIG. 6C).

Pharmacokinetic analysis of Example 45 Compound in plasma and whole brain tissue was undertaken after single IV, IP and oral gavage administrations. Example 45 Compound was noted to be orally bioavailable, readily able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and endowed with a plasma terminal half life of 6.7 hours after IP delivery. These favorable pharmacological properties facilitated a dose response experiment wherein daily oral administration of Example 45 Compound to adult mice was monitored for both brain levels of the chemical and pro-neurogenic efficacy (FIG. 7). Maximal, pro-neurogenic efficacy was observed at oral doses of 5 mg/kg and above, and graded reductions in efficacy were observed at doses of 2.5 and 1 mg/kg. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the brain levels of Example 45 Compound in the dose ranges of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg revealed corresponding compound concentrations of 213 nM (101 ng/g brain tissue), 1.13 μM (534ng/g brain tissue) and 1.35 μM (640ng/g brain tissue) five hours after dosing.

Enantiomer Selective Activity of Example 45 Compound Derivative 62:

In order to further study Example 45 Compound, an in vivo structure activity relationship (SAR) study was conducted using 37 chemical derivatives of the compound for pro-neurogenic activity via direct administration into the brain of adult mice via Alzet minipumps. Compounds were administered for one week at 10 uM into 4 mice per compound, along with daily IP injections of BrdU. Following compound administration, animals were perfused, sacrificed and subjected to sectioning, staining and light microscopy in order to monitor hippocampal neurogenesis localized to the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms. Roughly 10% of the variant compounds retained pro-neurogenic activity indistinguishable from the parent compound. An approximately equal number of compounds yielded slightly diminished activity, yet the majority of variants were of significantly diminished activity. (FIG. 8). A variant of Example 45 Compound having a methoxy substitution on the aniline ring (Example 62 Compound) was re-tested for pro-neurogenic activity via direct administration into the brain of adult mice via Alzet minipumps. The compound was administered for one week at 10 μM into 4 mice which were injected daily with BrdU. Following compound administration, animals were perfused, sacrificed and subjected to sectioning, staining and light microscopy in order to monitor hippocampal neurogenesis localized to the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms. The methoxy derivative exhibited activity comparable to Example 45 Compound. Subsequently, the (+) and (−) enantiomers of Example 62 Compound compound were prepared (FIG. 9A). The two enantiomers were evaluated in the in vivo neurogenesis assay. The (+)-enantiomer of Example 62 Compound retained potent pro-neurogenic activity, and the (−) enantiomer displayed diminished activity (FIG. 9B).

Example 45 Compound Enhances the Survival of Newborn Neurons

The nature of the cells produced in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyms was investigated when Example 45 Compound was administered as follows. Animals were exposed to oral administration of Example 45 Compound for 30 days. Brain tissue was then prepared for immunohistochemical staining with an antibody to doublecortin (DCX), a microtubule-associated protein that serves as a marker of neurogenesis in the dentate gyms by virtue of transient expression in newly formed neurons, but not glial cells, between the timing of their birth and final maturation (Brown et al., 2003). As shown in FIG. 10A, the relative abundance of doublecortin-positive neurons increased dramatically as a function of exposure to prolonged administration of Example 45 Compound. Although this observation does not rule out the possibility that the compound might also enhance the formation of glial cells, it clearly shows that Example 45 Compound enhanced the formation of cells destined to become neurons.

Example 45 Compound-mediated neurogenesis was next investigated to see whether it was attributable to increased cell proliferation or protection of newborn cells from cell death during the time between their birth and eventual incorporation into the granular layer of the dentate gyms. This was accomplished by comparing the ability of Example 45 Compound to enhance either short- or long-term increases in the incorporation of BrdU in the dentate gyms (FIG. 10B). Animals exposed to orally-delivered Example 45 Compound or vehicle for 30 days were administered a single pulse of BrdU via IP injection. Short-term effects on neuron birth were monitored by sacrificing animals one hour post-BrdU injection, followed by fixation of the tissue, sectioning and immunohistochemical detection of BrdU incorporation into cells localized in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms. Example 45 Compound administration did not lead to an elevation in the level of BrdU-positive cells relative to vehicle in this short-term assay. At one day after BrdU administration both groups still showed no statistically significant differences in number of BrdU+ cells in the dentate gyms. By contrast, at the 5 day time point, by which time 40% of newborn cells in our assay normally die (FIG. 1), animals that received Example 45 Compound showed a statistically significant, 25% increase in BrdU+ cells compared to the vehicle-only control group. This difference between groups progressed with time such that mice that received a daily oral dose of Example 45 Compound for 30 days starting 24 hours after the pulse treatment of BrdU exhibited a 5-fold increase in the abundance of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyms relative to vehicle-only controls. Notably, in this longer-term trial, BrdU-positive cells were observed not only along the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms where new neurons are known to be born, but also within the granular layer itself. We hypothesize that these cells represent mature neurons that have migrated into the granular layer, completed the differentiation process, and incorporated themselves into the dentate gyms as properly wired neurons. Observations supportive of this interpretation will be presented in a subsequent section of this document. In summary, these experiments give evidence that Example 45 Compound enhances the formation of neurons in the mature hippocampus, and that its mode of action would appear to take place at some point subsequent to their birth.

Example 45 Compound Normalizes Apoptosis and Ameliorates Morphological and Electrophysiological Deficits in the Dentate Gyrus of NPAS3-Deficient Mice

Mice lacking both copies of the gene encoding neuronal PAS domain protein 3 (NPAS3) suffer a profound impairment in adult neurogenesis (Pieper et al., 2005). By evaluating BrdU incorporation in a short-term assay of neurogenesis by sacrificing animals 1 hours after BrdU pulse, it was observed that NPAS3-deficient animals have no detectable deficit in the birth of neurons in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms (FIG. 11). This is in contrast to our earlier observations of profoundly diminished BrdU labeling in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient animals when BrdU is administered for a longer period of time (12 days) (Pieper et al., 2005). Knowing that the NPAS3 transcription factor is required for proper expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in the hippocampus (Pieper et al., 2005), it is possible that impediments in growth factor signaling might impair the trophic environment critical for the survival of newborn neurons in the dentate gyms. As an initial test of this hypothesis, brain tissue prepared from NPAS3-deficient animals was compared with that of wild type littermates for the presence of cleaved caspase 3 (CCSP3)-positive cells in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyms. A statistically significant, 2-fold increase in CCSP3-positive (apoptotic) cells was observed in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient animals (FIG. 11). This enhanced rate of programmed cell death is likely to account, at least in part, for the nearly complete elimination of adult neurogenesis in mice lacking the NPAS3 transcription factor (Pieper et al., 2005).

In addition to this quantitative deficit in adult neurogenesis, we have observed abnormalities in both the morphology and electrophysiology of granular neurons of the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient animals. Relative to wild type animals, Golgi-Cox staining revealed severe attenuation in dendritic branching and spine density of dentate gyms granular neurons of NPAS3-deficient animals (FIGS. 12 a and 12 b). By contrast, no genotype-dependent differences in these measures were observed in pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Equivalently specific deficits were observed by electrophysiologic recordings of NPAS3-deficient animals compared with wild type littermates (FIGS. 13 a and 13 b). Whole field recordings of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) revealed significant deficits in NPAS3-deficient animals, relative to wild type littermates. In the dentate gyms, stimulating and recording electrodes were positioned in the outer molecular layer, which is innervated by axons of the perforant pathway originating from the entorhinal cortex. In the CA1 region of the hippocampus, stimulation and recording electrodes were positioned in the stratum radiatum, which is innervated by the Schaffer collateral axons of CA3 pyramidal cells. Stimulus intensity was increased in 5 μA increments, the slope of the decreasing part of field potentials was measured, and fEPSP was quantified relative to the amplitude of the fiber volley, which represents firing of action potentials in pre-synaptic axons. This analysis revealed aberrant hyper-excitability of synaptic transmission in npas3^(−/−) mice both in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyms and in the CA1 region (FIGS. 13 a and 13 b).

Armed with these genotype- and region-specific deficits in both neuron morphology and electrophysiological activity, we set out to test whether prolonged administration of Example 45 Compound might favorably repair either deficit in NPAS3-deficient animals. Before embarking on this effort, we first confirmed that Example 45 Compound was capable of enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis in NPAS3-deficient mice, by demonstrating that Example 45 Compound enhances both BrdU incorporation as well as expression of doublecortin in newborn neurons in the dentate gyms of npas3^(−/−) mice (FIG. 14). Knowing that formation of the dentate gyms initiates in the late pre-natal mouse embryo around embryonic day 14 (Stanfield and Cowan, 1988), we sought to expose animals to Example 45 Compound for as extended a period of time as possible in order to give the compound the best possible chance for exhibiting favorable effects. Following oral gavage of pregnant female mice, 14 day embryos were recovered, dissected and processed by acetonitrile:water extraction so that Example 45 Compound levels could be measured in the embryonic brain. Daily administration of 20 mg/kg of Example 45 Compound to pregnant females yielded appreciable levels of the compound in the brain tissue of developing embryos. It was similarly observed that oral administration of the compound to lactating females led to delivery of Example 45 Compound to the brain tissue of weanling pups. In both cases, LC/MS-based quantitation of Example 45 Compound revealed levels of compound accumulation at or above the 1.35 μM limit required to support adult neurogenesis (FIG. 7). Finally, it was observed that daily IP administration of Example 45 Compound to weaned pups at 20 mg/kg was sufficient to yield brain levels of Example 45 Compound at or above the level required to enhance adult neurogenesis.

Female mice heterozygous at the NPAS3 locus were mated to heterozygous males. Two weeks post-mating, females were given a daily oral gavage of either 20 mg/kg of Example 45 Compound or vehicle-only formula. Dosing was continued throughout the last trimester of pregnancy, as well as the two week post-natal period of lactation. Following weaning, pups were given a daily IP dose of either 20 mg/kg Example 45 Compound or vehicle control. At about 7 weeks of age, mice were switched to oral gavage delivery of the same dose of Example 45 Compound. When mice were 3 months of age they were sacrificed and brain tissue was dissected and subjected to either Golgi-Cox staining or electrophysiological recording. As shown in FIG. 15, prolonged exposure to Example 45 Compound robustly repaired morphological deficits in the dendritic branching of granular neurons of the dentate gyms in NPAS3-deficient mice. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13A, the electrophysiological deficit in the dentate gyms of NPAS3-deficient mice was also corrected following prolonged exposure of mice to Example 45 Compound. The corresponding electrophysiological deficit in CA1 region of the hippocampus, however, was not affected (FIG. 13B), underscoring the specificity of Example 45 Compound to improving functioning of the dentate gyms in this animal model.

It is also notable that, relative to vehicle-only controls, administration of Example 45 Compound did not affect any aspect of the health of mothers, embryos, weanlings or young adult mice. Gross histology of brain tissue was normal in both compound- and vehicle-treated animals, and there was no evidence of neuronal cell loss or degenerative changes (cytoplasmic eosinophilia, vacuolization or nuclear pyknosis). The only morphological change, other than normalization of dendritic arborization of granular neurons of the dentate gyms, was a compound-dependent increase in the thickness of the granular layer of the dentate gyms itself (FIG. 16). The thickness of the granular layer of the dentate gyms is roughly 40% less in NPAS3-deficient animals than wild type littermates. Prolonged administration of Example 45 Compound through late embryonic development, early post-natal development, and two months post-weaning significantly corrected this deficit without affecting the thickness of other hippocampal layers in NPAS3-deficient mice (FIG. 16).

Recognizing that the reduced thickness of the granular layer of the dentate gyms in NPAS3-deficient animals could be attributed to elevated levels of apoptosis of newborn hippocampal neural precursor cells, we examined the effect of Example 45 Compound treatment on apoptosis in the hippocampus of NPAS3-deficient animals through immunohistochemical staining of cleaved caspase 3 (CCSP3). As shown in FIG. 17, 12 days of treatment with orally delivered Example 45 Compound (20 mg/kg) to adult NPAS3-deficient animals significantly reduced CCSP3 staining in the dentate gyms, whereas vehicle-treatment had not effect. We thereby propose that Example 45 Compound facilitated repair of the granular layer of the dentate gyms in NPAS3-deficient mice by ameliorating a genotype-specific exacerbation of programmed cell death.

Example 45 Compound Protects Cultured Cortical Neurons from Beta-Amyloid Toxicity

Apoptosis is implicated in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, and we wondered if Example 45 Compound might protect mature neurons from programmed cell death. Cultured primary cortical neurons have been shown to undergo apoptosis following exposure to β-amyloid peptide (Loo et al., 1993). Accordingly, we investigated whether Example 45 Compound might protect cultured neurons from this paradigm of cell death. Cortical neurons from embryonic day 18 rats were allowed to mature for 1 week, exposed to 25 μM A β₍₂₅₋₃₅₎ peptide fragment for 48 hours, and then assayed for cell viability by light microscopic visualization as well as the cell titer blue viability assay (Promega), which utilizes the indicator dye resazurin to measure the metabolic activity of cultured cells. As shown in FIG. 18, Example 45 Compound protected cultured primary cortical neurons from A β₍₂₅₋₃₅₎-mediated toxicity. Dose response testing revealed that Example 45 Compound did not lose maximal neuroprotective activity even when diluted to low nanomolar levels. Importantly, when the (+) and (−) enantiomers of the methoxy derivative of Example 45 Compound (Example 62 Compound) were tested, neuroprotective activity was observed with the same (+) enantiomer of Example 62 Compound that also retained pro-neurogenic activity in living mice, while the (−) enantiomer again displayed diminished activity

Example 45 Compound Acts in Mitochondria to Protect Mitochondrial Integrity

In order to investigate its cellular site of action, example 62 compound was modified by attaching a coumarin moiety to the N-phenyl ring according to established methods (Alexander et al., 2006), yielding a fluorescent derivative designated FASDP (fluorescent, anisidine substituted derivative of Example 45 Compound) (FIG. 19). FASDP was confirmed to retain pro-neurogenic activity in adult mice in our standard assay, and cultured osteoblast cells were exposed to FASDP and visualized by fluorescence optics in a light microscope. As shown in FIG. 20, FASDP labeled cells in a punctuate pattern that overlapped with mitochondria as visualized by Mitotracker dye. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the activity and molecular target of Example 45 Compound may reside within mitochondria.

Extensive evidence pioneered by the laboratory of Xiaodong Wang has shown that an intrinsic pathway leading to programmed cell death emanates from mitochondria (Liu et al., 1996; Yang et al., 1997). With the help of the Wang lab, assays were established to test whether Example 45 Compound might protect mitochondria from calcium-induced dissolution (Distelmaier et al., 2008). Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) is a cell-permeant, cationic red-orange fluorescent dye that is readily sequestered by active mitochondria. When loaded with TMRM dye, vehicle-only treated cells released the dye within 15 minutes of exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187. By contrast, dye release was prevented in cells exposed to as little as 10 ng of Example 45 Compound (FIG. 21A). As with in vivo neurogenesis assay, as well as the in vitro protection from Aβ₍₂₅₋₃₅₎-mediated toxicity of cultured cortical neurons, preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential in this assay was observed only with the (+) enantiomer of Example 62 Compound (FIG. 21B).

Comparison of Example 45 Compound and Dimebon

A chemical compound sharing structural similarity to Example 45 Compound is 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-2,8-dimethyl-5-(2-(6-methyl-3-pyridyl)ethyl)-1H-pyrido(4,3-b)indole (FIG. 22A). An anti-histamine, trade named Dimebon, was anecdotally noticed over the decades to ameliorate symptoms of dementia (O'Brien, 2008; Burns and Jacoby 2008). More recently, an American biotechnology company designated Medivation initiated clinical trials to formally test whether Dimebon might improve the symptoms of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The results of FDA-sponsored, phase 2 clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease were recently published, reporting favorable response rates (Doody et al., 2008). Example 45 Compound and Dimebon were compared in three functional assays. The in vivo test for effects on hippocampal neurogenesis revealed activity for both compounds, with Example 45 Compound exhibiting between 10- and 30-fold higher level of potency and a ceiling of efficacy roughly 40% higher than the anti-histamine drug (FIG. 22 b). Dimebon has previously been reported to protect cortical neurons from Aβ₍₂₅₋₃₅₎-mediated toxicity (Bachurin et al., 2001). As shown in FIG. 22C, Dimebon only afforded protection at doses of 3 μM. Example 45 Compound did not lose neuroprotective activity even when diluted to low nanomolar levels. Dimebon has also been implicated in protecting mitochondria (Bachurin et al., 2003). We therefore compared Dimebon with Example 45 Compound in the calcium-induced mitochondrial dissolution assay. Both compounds were observed to be active, and it was again observed that the relative potency of Example 45 Compound was superior to Dimebon (FIG. 22D). Protection of mitochondrial membrane permeability was lost for Example 45 Compound between the 10 and 1 nM doses, whereas that of Dimebon was lost between 10 and 1 μM.

Example 45 Compound and Dimebon were tested for binding to the H1 histamine receptor. While Dimebon displayed high affinity for this receptor (IC50<100 nM), both enantiomers of Example 45 Compound display low H1 affinity (IC50>10 μM.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,755, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,755 includes, but is not limited to:

-   -   methods for promoting postnatal mammalian neurotrophism in a         patient determined to be in need thereof, comprising         administering to the patient an effective amount of a         neurotrophic carbazole compound of formula 1:

-   -   wherein:     -   R₁-R₈ are each independently selected hydrogen, heteroatom,         heteroatom functional group, and optionally-substituted,         optionally heteroatom lower (C1-C6) alkyl;     -   R₉ is hydrogen or optionally-substituted, optionally heteroatom         lower (C1-C6) alkyl; and     -   R₁₀ and R₁₁ are each independently selected hydrogen,         optionally-substituted, optionally heteroatom C1-C6 alkyl,         optionally-substituted, optionally heteroatom C2-C6 alkenyl,         optionally-substituted, optionally heteroatom C2-C6 alkynyl, and         optionally-substituted, optionally heteroatom C6-C14 aryl,         including tautomers, stereoisomers and         pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof.

Unless otherwise noted, all structures depicted herein encompass interconvertable tautomers as if each were separately depicted.

The invention encompasses all alternative combinations of particular embodiments:

-   -   wherein R₁-R₈ are each independently selected hydrogen and         halide;     -   wherein R₁, R₂, R₄, R₅, R₇ and R₈ are hydrogen, and R₃ and R₆         are halide, such as Cl, Br, I and F;     -   wherein R₉ is hydrogen;     -   wherein R₁₀ is hydrogen and R₁₁ is optionally-substituted,         optionally heteroatom C6-C14 aryl;     -   wherein R₁₀ and R₁₁ are joined to form a 5-7 membered,         optionally substituted heterocyclic ring;     -   wherein R₁₀ and R₁₁ are joined to form an optionally substituted         pyrrolidine or a piperidine;     -   wherein R₁₀ is hydrogen and R₁₁ is substituted phenyl, such as         halide-or C1-C6 alkoxy-phenyl, including para-, meta-, or ortho         positions;     -   wherein R₁₀ is hydrogen and R₁₁ is napthyl;     -   wherein the compound has a formula of Table 1 (herein) or Table         2 (herein);     -   wherein the compound has formula 2:

-   -   wherein (a) at least one of R₁-R₈ is heteroatom,         optionally-substituted, or optionally heteroatom lower (C1-C6)         alkyl, and at least one of R₁-R₄ or at least one of R₅-R₈ is         different; or (b) R₉ is optionally-substituted, optionally         heteroatom lower (C1-C6) alkyl;     -   further comprising the step of detecting a resultant         neurotrophism, particularly neurogenesis; and/or     -   further comprising the antecedent step of determining that the         patient has aberrant neurotrophism, particularly aberrant         neurogenesis, particularly aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis, or         a disease or disorder associated therewith, particularly by         detecting and/or diagnosing the same.

The invention also provides novel pharmaceutical, particularly novel neurogenic, compositions in unit dosage comprising a disclosed neurotrophic carbazole not previously known or suggested to provide pharmacological, particularly neurogenic, activity, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The invention also provides disclosed novel neurotrophic carbazoles and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,755 further discloses: The term “heteroatom” as used herein generally means any atom other than carbon, hydrogen or oxygen. Preferred heteroatoms include oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), silicon (S), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and halogens, and preferred heteroatom functional groups are haloformyl, hydroxyl, aldehyde, amine, azo, carboxyl, cyanyl, thocyanyl, carbonyl, halo, hydroperoxyl, imine, aldimine, isocyanide, iscyante, nitrate, nitrile, nitrite, nitro, nitroso, phosphate, phosphono, sulfide, sulfonyl, sulfo, and sulfhydryl.

The term “alkyl,” by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a straight or branched chain, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which is fully saturated, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C1-C8 means one to eight carbons). Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of, for example, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl and the like.

The term “alkenyl”, by itself or as part of another substituent, means a straight or branched chain, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be mono- or polyunsaturated, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C2-C8 means two to eight carbons) and one or more double bonds. Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl) and higher homologs and isomers thereof

The term “alkynyl”, by itself or as part of another substituent, means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be mono- or polyunsaturated, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C2-C8 means two to eight carbons) and one or more triple bonds. Examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl and higher homologs and isomers thereof.

The term “alkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent means a divalent radical derived from alkyl, as exemplified by —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—. Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group will have from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewer carbon atoms being preferred in the invention. A “lower alkyl” or “lower alkylene” is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group, generally having eight or fewer carbon atoms.

The terms “alkoxy,” “alkylamino” and “alkylthio” (or thioalkoxy) are used in their conventional sense, and refer to those alkyl groups attached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom, an amino group, or a sulfur atom, respectively.

The term “heteroalkyl,” by itself or in combination with another term, means, unless otherwise stated, a stable straight or branched chain, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combinations thereof, consisting of the stated number of carbon atoms and from one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, Si and S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized. The heteroatom(s) O, N and S may be placed at any interior position of the heteroalkyl group. The heteroatom Si may be placed at any position of the heteroalkyl group, including the position at which the alkyl group is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples include —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₃, —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂, —S(O)—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—S(O)₂—CH₃, —CH═CH—O—CH₃, —Si(CH₃)₃, —CH₂—CH═N—OCH₃, and —CH═CH—N(CH₃)—CH₃. Up to two heteroatoms may be consecutive, such as, for example, —CH₂—NH—OCH₃ and —CH₂—O—Si(CH₃)₃.

Similarly, the term “heteroalkylene,” by itself or as part of another substituent means a divalent radical derived from heteroalkyl, as exemplified by —CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂— and —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₂—. For heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can also occupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy, alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like). Still further, for alkylene and heteroalkylene linking groups, no orientation of the linking group is implied.

The terms “cycloalkyl” and “heterocycloalkyl”, by themselves or in combination with other terms, represent, unless otherwise stated, cyclic versions of “alkyl” and “heteroalkyl”, respectively. Accordingly, a cycloalkyl group has the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e., C3-C8 means three to eight carbons) and may also have one or two double bonds. A heterocycloalkyl group consists of the number of carbon atoms designated and from one to three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, Si and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized. Additionally, for heterocycloalkyl, a heteroatom can occupy the position at which the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 1-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. Examples of heterocycloalkyl include 1-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-yl), 1-piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl, tetrahydrothien-3-yl, 1-piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, and the like.

The terms “halo” and “halogen,” by themselves or as part of another substituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as “haloalkyl,” are meant to include alkyl substituted with halogen atoms, which can be the same or different, in a number ranging from one to (2m′+1), where m′ is the total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group. For example, the term “halo(C1-C4)alkyl” is mean to include trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, and the like. Thus, the term “haloalkyl” includes monohaloalkyl (alkyl substituted with one halogen atom) and polyhaloalkyl (alkyl substituted with halogen atoms in a number ranging from two to (2m′+1) halogen atoms, where m′ is the total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group). The term “perhaloalkyl” means, unless otherwise stated, alkyl substituted with (2m′+1) halogen atoms, where m′ is the total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group. For example the term “perhalo(C1-C4)alkyl” is meant to include trifluoromethyl, pentachloroethyl, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-bromo-2-chloroethyl and the like.

The term “acyl” refers to those groups derived from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxy portion of the acid. Accordingly, acyl is meant to include, for example, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, decanoyl, pivaloyl, benzoyl and the like.

The term “aryl” means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated, typically aromatic, hydrocarbon substituent which can be a single ring or multiple rings (up to three rings) which are fused together or linked covalently. Non-limiting examples of aryl groups include phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-biphenyl and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene.

The term heteroaryl,” refers to aryl groups (or rings) that contain from zero to four heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom are optionally quaternized. A heteroaryl group can be attached to the remainder of the molecule through a heteroatom. Non-limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl, 4-pyrimidyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, purinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 5-indolyl, 1-isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 5-quinoxalinyl, 3-quinolyl and 6-quinolyl.

For brevity, the term “aryl” when used in combination with other terms (e.g., aryloxy, arylthioxy, arylalkyl) includes both aryl and heteroaryl rings as defined above. Thus, the term “arylalkyl” is meant to include those radicals in which an aryl group is attached to an alkyl group (e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, pyridylmethyl and the like) including those alkyl groups in which a carbon atom (e.g., a methylene group) has been replaced by, for example, an oxygen atom (e.g., phenoxymethyl, 2-pyridyloxymethyl, 3-(1-naphthyloxyl)propyl, and the like).

Each of the above terms (e.g., “alkyl,” “heteroalkyl,” “aryl” and “heteroaryl”) is meant to include both substituted and unsubstituted forms of the indicated radical. Preferred substituents for each type of radical are provided below.

Substituents for the alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals (as well as those groups referred to as alkylene, alkenyl, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocycloalkenyl) can be a variety of groups selected from: —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′, halogen, —SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR′—SO₂NR′″, —NR″CO₂R′, —NH—C(NH₂)═NH, —NR′C(NH₂)═NH, —NH—C(NH₂)═NR′, —S(O)R′, —SO₂R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, —CN and —NO₂, in a number ranging from zero to three, with those groups having zero, one or two substituents being particularly preferred. R′, R″ and R′″ each independently refer to hydrogen, unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkyl and heteroalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, aryl substituted with one to three halogens, unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy or thioalkoxy groups, or aryl-(C1-C4)alkyl groups. When R′ and R″ are attached to the same nitrogen atom, they can be combined with the nitrogen atom to form a 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring. For example, —NR′R″ is meant to include 1-pyrrolidinyl and 4-morpholinyl. Typically, an alkyl or heteroalkyl group will have from zero to three substituents, with those groups having two or fewer substituents being preferred in the invention. More preferably, an alkyl or heteroalkyl radical will be unsubstituted or monosubstituted. Most preferably, an alkyl or heteroalkyl radical will be unsubstituted. From the above discussion of substituents, one of skill in the art will understand that the term “alkyl” is meant to include groups such as trihaloalkyl (e.g., —CF₃ and —CH₂CF₃).

Preferred substituents for the alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals are selected from: —OR′, ═O, —NR′R″, —SR′, halogen, —SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR″CO₂R′, —NR′—SO₂NR″R′″, —S(O)R′, —SO2R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, —CN and —NO₂, where R′ and R″ are as defined above. Further preferred substituents are selected from: —OR′, ═O, —NR′R″, halogen, —OC(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR″CO₂R′, —NR′—SO₂NR″R′″, —SO₂R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, —CN and —NO₂.

Similarly, substituents for the aryl and heteroaryl groups are varied and selected from: halogen, —OR′, —OC(O)R′, —NR′R″, —SR′, —R′, —CN, —NO₂, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —C(O)R′, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR″CO2R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR′—SO₂NR″R′″, —NH—C(NH2)=NH, —NR′C(NH₂)═NH, —NH—C(NH₂)═NR′, —S(O)R′, —SO₂R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, —N₃, —CH(Ph)₂, perfluoro(C1-C4)alkoxy and perfluoro(C1-C4)alkyl, in a number ranging from zero to the total number of open valences on the aromatic ring system; and where R′, R″ and R′″ are independently selected from hydrogen, (C1-C8)alkyl and heteroalkyl, unsubstituted aryl and heteroaryl, (unsubstituted aryl)-(C1-C4)alkyl and (unsubstituted aryl)oxy-(C1-C4)alkyl. When the aryl group is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, it may be substituted with a substituted or unsubstituted (C3-C7)spirocycloalkyl group. The (C3-C7)spirocycloalkyl group may be substituted in the same manner as defined herein for “cycloalkyl”. Typically, an aryl or heteroaryl group will have from zero to three substituents, with those groups having two or fewer substituents being preferred in the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, an aryl or heteroaryl group will be unsubstituted or monosubstituted. In another embodiment, an aryl or heteroaryl group will be unsubstituted.

Preferred substituents for aryl and heteroaryl groups are selected from: halogen, —OR′, —OC(O)R′, —NR′R″, —SR′, —R′, —CN, —NO₂, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —C(O)R′, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —S(O)R′, —SO₂R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, —N₃, —CH(Ph)₂, perfluoro(C1-C4)alkoxy and perfluoro(C1-C4)alkyl, where R′ and R″ are as defined above. Further preferred substituents are selected from: halogen, —OR′, —OC(O)R′, —NR′R″, —R′, —CN, —NO₂, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —SO₂R′, —SO₂NR′R″, —NR″SO₂R, perfluoro(C1-C4)alkoxy and perfluoro(C1-C4)alkyl.

The substituent —CO₂H, as used herein, includes bioisosteric replacements therefor; see, e.g., The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry; Wermuth, C. G., Ed.; Academic Press: New York, 1996; p. 203.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -T-C(O)—(CH₂)q-U—, wherein T and U are independently —NH—, —O—, —CH₂— or a single bond, and q is an integer of from 0 to 2. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -A-(CH2)r-B—, wherein A and B are independently —CH₂—, —O—, —NH—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂NR′— or a single bond, and r is an integer of from 1 to 3. One of the single bonds of the new ring so formed may optionally be replaced with a double bond. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula —(CH₂)s-X—(CH₂)t-, where s and t are independently integers of from 0 to 3, and X is —O—, —NR′—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or —S(O)₂NR′—. The substituent R′ in —NR′— and —S(O)₂NR′— is selected from hydrogen or unsubstituted (C1-C6)alkyl. 

1. A method for treating major depression comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having formula (I):

wherein: each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, cyclopropyl, —N₃, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; R and R′ are defined according to (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) below: (1) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused phenyl ring having formula (II):

wherein each of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R⁸ is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, cyclopropyl, —N₃, cyano, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and nitro; or (2) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heteroaryl ring containing 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 independently selected ring atoms is N; and wherein said heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(b); or (3) R and R′ together with C₂ and C₃, respectively, form a fused heterocyclic ring containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with from 1-3 independently selected R^(a); or (4) each of R and R′ is, independently, hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆haloalkyl; each of L¹ and L² is, independently: (i) C₁-C₃ straight chain alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected R^(c); or (ii) a bond that directly connects A in formula (I) to Z in formula (I); A is: (i) CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, and OR⁹, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl or C_(r) C₃ alkoxy; (ii) C═O; (iii) C₃-C₅ cycloalkylene that is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); or (iv) heterocycloalkylene containing from 3-5 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkylene is (a) substituted with 1 oxo; and (b) is optionally further substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); Z is: (i) —NR₁₀R₁₁; (ii) —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹; (iii) —OR¹²; (iv) —S(O)_(n)R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; (v) heterocycloalkenyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-3 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heterocycloalkenyl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(a); or (vi) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 independently selected R^(b); each of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently selected from: (a) hydrogen; (b) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); (c) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); (d) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); or (e) —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl), or —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); R¹² is: (i) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); (ii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); or (iii) C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, each of which is substituted with from 1-3 R^(d); R¹³ is: (i) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); or (ii) heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-4 R^(b); R^(a) at each occurrence is, independently selected from halo, hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, oxo, thioxo, ═NH, ═N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano; R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from the substituents delineated in (aa) through (dd) below: (aa) C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; —O—(CH₂)₁₋₃-[O(CH₂)₁₋₃]₁₋₃—H; —C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); (bb) halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; azido; sulfhydryl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂; —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆alkyl)₂; (cc) C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and (dd) phenyl or heteroaryl containing from 5-6 ring atoms, wherein from 1-2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; wherein each of said phenyl and heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆haloalkyl; R^(c) at each occurrence is, independently selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano; and R^(d) at each occurrence is, independently selected from hydroxyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, —NH₂, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), and cyano; provided that each of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is other than hydrogen when: (i) R and R′ are defined according to definition (1), and (ii) each of L¹ and L² is CH₂, and (iii) A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), and (iv) Z is —OR¹²; provided that R¹⁰ is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 R^(b) when: (i) R and R′ are defined according to definition (1), and (ii) R³ and R⁶ are both halo, and each of R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁷, and R⁸ is hydrogen, and (iii) each of L¹ and L² is CH₂, and (iv) A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), and one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OH and the other is hydrogen, and (v) Z is —NHR¹⁰ and R¹⁰ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b); provided that when R and R′ are defined according to definition (3), then: (i) each of L¹ and L² must be C₁-C₃ alkylene, which is optionally substituted with from 1-2 independently selected Re when A is CH₂; or (ii) Z must be other than heteroaryl containing from 5-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein when A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) is substituted with four different substituents, and is (R) or (S) configured.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the compound or salt is (+) (dextrorotatory) or (−) (levororotatory).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of the compound or salt reduces neuron cell death.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from: R-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; S-1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-iminopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylthio)propan-2-ol; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide; 5-((3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-oxazolidin-2-one; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-one; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-methoxypropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; 1-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3-Bromo-6-methyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-Dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(5-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3-Azidophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1,3-Bis(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 3-(3,6-Dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxy-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-propanamide; Ethyl 5-(2-Hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propyl)-8-methyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-2(5H)-carboxylate; 4-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propyl)aniline; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-(phenylamino)butan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)(methyl)-amino)propan-2-ol; 3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-1-(methylthio)propan-2-one; 3-amino-1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)pyridinium; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)propan-2-ol; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxy-N-methylaniline; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-methoxypropan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-4-phenylbutan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; 3-(1-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfinyl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylsulfonyl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3-bromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; N-(5-(3-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropylamino)phenoxy)pentyl)-2-(7-(dimethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetamide; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; N-(2-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)ethyl)-acetamide; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-3-ylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-ylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(2,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-5(2H)-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2,2-difluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(o-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(naphthalen-1-ylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(4-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenethylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2-hydroxyethylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(2-chlorophenylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(tert-butylamino)-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(3,4-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(2,5-dimethylphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(4-bromophenylamino)-3-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)propan-2-ol; 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-ethoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate; 1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol hydrochloride; 1-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol oxalate; 1-(3,4-dihydro-1H-carbazol-9(2H)-yl)-3-(m-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(phenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(p-tolylamino)propan-2-ol; N-(4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl)acetamide; 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-phenoxypropan-2-ol; 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenylamino)propan-2-ol; 1-(benzylamino)-3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol; methyl 4-(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzoate; 1-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenoxyl)propan-2-ol; and 1-amino-3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)propan-2-ol.
 6. A method for treating major depression comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the following formula:

wherein: R³ and R⁶ are each independently selected from halo, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, cyclopropyl, —N₃, and cyano; A is CR^(A1)R^(A2), wherein R^(A1) is selected from hydrogen, halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, and OR⁹, and R^(A2) is selected from halo, C₁-C₃ alkyl, and OR⁹; Z is selected from —NHR¹⁰; —N(CH₃)R¹¹; —OR¹²; and —S(O), A¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; R⁹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl or C₁-C₃ alkoxy; R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ are each independently selected from: (a) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b); or (b) heteroaryl containing from 6-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms are independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 4 R^(b); R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from the substituents delineated in (aa) through (dd) below: (aa) C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; —O—(CH₂)₁₋₃-[O(CH₂)₁₋₃]₁₋₃—H; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); (bb) halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; azido; sulfhydryl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkynyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂; —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; (cc) C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and (dd) phenyl or heteroaryl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; wherein each of said phenyl and heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; wherein when R³ and R⁶ are both halo, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OH and the other is hydrogen, Z is —NHR¹⁰, and R¹⁰ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b), then R¹⁰ is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 R^(b).
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) is substituted with four different substituents, and is (R) or (S) configured.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the compound or salt is (+) (dextrorotatory) or (−) (levororotatory).
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the effective amount of the compound or salt reduces neuron cell death.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound is N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline.
 11. A method for treating major depression comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the following formula:

wherein R³ and R⁶ are each independently selected from halo, CH₃, ethynyl, cyclopropyl, —N₃, and cyano; R^(A1) and R^(A2) are each independently selected from hydrogen, halo, CH₃, and OR⁹, wherein one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is halo or OR⁹; Z is selected from —NHR¹⁰; —N(CH₃)R¹¹; —OR¹²; and —S(O)—R¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; R⁹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl or C₁-C₃ alkoxy; R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ are each independently selected from: (a) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b); or (b) heteroaryl containing from 6-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms are independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 4 R^(b); R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from the substituents delineated in (aa) through (dd) below: (aa) C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; —O—(CH₂)₁₋₃-[O(CH₂)₁₋₃]₁₋₃—H; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); (bb) halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; azido; sulfhydryl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkynyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)(C₁-C₆haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂; —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆alkyl)₂; (cc) C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and (dd) phenyl or heteroaryl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; wherein each of said phenyl and heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; wherein when R³ and R⁶ are both halo, one of R^(A1) and R^(A2) is OH and the other is hydrogen, Z is —NHR¹⁰, and R¹⁰ is C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b), then R¹⁰ is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 R^(b).
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbon attached to R^(A1) and R^(A2) is substituted with four different substituents, and is (R) or (S) configured.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the compound is N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the effective amount of the compound or salt reduces neuron cell death.
 15. A method for treating major depression comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having the following formula:

wherein: Z is selected from —NHR¹⁰; —N(CH₃)R¹¹; —OR¹²; and —S(O), A¹³, wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ are each independently selected from: (a) C₆-C₁₀ aryl that is optionally substituted with 1 to 4 R^(b); or (b) heteroaryl containing from 6-14 ring atoms, wherein from 1-6 of the ring atoms are independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; and wherein said heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 4 R^(b); R^(b) at each occurrence is independently selected from the substituents delineated in (aa) through (dd) below: (aa) C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; —O—(CH₂)₁₋₃-[O(CH₂)₁₋₃]₁₋₃—H; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); (bb) halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; azido; sulfhydryl; C₂-C₆ alkenyl; C₂-C₆ alkynyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)(C₁-C₆ haloalkyl); C(O)OH; —C(O)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —C(O)NH₂; —C(O)NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); C(O)N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂; —SO₂(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂NH₂; —SO₂NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl); —SO₂N(C₁-C₆alkyl)₂; (cc) C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heterocyclyl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₆ alkyl), NC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O, and S; and (dd) phenyl or heteroaryl containing from 5 to 6 ring atoms, wherein from 1 to 2 of the ring atoms of the heteroaryl is independently selected from N, NH, N(C₁-C₃ alkyl), O, and S; wherein each of said phenyl and heteroaryl is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; —NH₂; —NH(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —N(C₁-C₆ alkyl)₂, —NHC(O)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), C₁-C₆ alkoxy; C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thioalkoxy; C₁-C₆ thiohaloalkoxy; C₁-C₆ alkyl, and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the carbon attached to fluoro is (R) or (S) configured.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the compound or salt is (+) (dextrorotatory) or (−) (levororotatory).
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the effective amount of the compound or salt reduces neuron cell death.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the compound is N-(3-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-2-fluoropropyl)-3-methoxyaniline. 